The Port of Seattle is on its way to becoming the greenest port in North America, with a goal to phase out seaport-related emissions by 2050 starting now. The Port is advancing an innovative solution to bring shore power to its downtown waterfront cruise terminal at Pier 66. This will provide clean electricity to ships at the dock and helps sustainably grow the cruise industry in Seattle—an essential economic driver in the region. Shore power at Pier 66 will mean all three cruise berths in Seattle are electric!
Project Overview
To be the greenest and most energy-efficient port in North America, shore power is emerging as the most effective technique to reduce Port-related maritime air emissions here in the Northwest. The project would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cruise vessels at berth, improving air quality for maritime workers and residents. Providing shore power connections to vessels allows them to turn off diesel engines while at the dock, which reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
BUSINESS PLAN
The objective is to provide shore power capable berths that allow maritime customers to connect cruise vessels to Seattle City Light and eliminate air emissions at the dock and reduce overall emissions in Elliott Bay.
PERMITTING
This project requires environmental permitting and review. Permits and approvals include:
- State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Review
- City of Seattle Shoreline Substantial Development Permit
- City of Seattle Construction Permit
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Muckleshoot Tribe
- Suquamish Tribe
Timeline
Shore power is expected to be operational at the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 during the 2024 cruise season.
Estimated Project Costs
Total estimated cost for this project is $44 million.
This project is supported in part by nearly $3 million in grant funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, the state of Washington Department of Ecology, and the TransAlta Centralia Coal Transition Board.
Milestones
July 2023: The Pier 66 shore power submarine cable arrived in Elliott Bay in mid-July. The team tested the cable and is getting ready for the project construction this fall.
November 2023: Duct bank work is happening at Terminal 46 to prepare the connection between Seattle City Light power to the submarine cable which will run underwater to power Pier 66 and the cruise terminal.
January 2024: Teams successfully placed the mile-long submarine cable that connects Pier 66 to power from Terminal 46 across Elliott Bay.
Contractors on this project:
- Watts Marine (electrical equipment supplier)
- Wave Guide Networks Inc. (cable supplier)
- Orion Marine Contractors (installation)
