Port of Seattle to resume study of proposed cruise terminal in 2023

In July, the port canceled its request for proposals for a joint investment to build and operate a new cruise facility at Terminal 46, citing a need to better understand the short- and long-term cruise industry market impacts from COVID-19 before making further infrastructure investments.

The 2023 resumption was noted in Port of Seattle Executive Director Stephen Metruck's proposed 2021 budget and five-year capital improvement plan, issued today.

Shore power to Pier 66

2021 capital projects related to the cruise business include COVID-19 safety measure installations for cruise terminals and a project to bring clean electric shore power to the Pier 66 cruise terminal.

New cruise terminal

Before the pandemic, the port had envisioned an estimated $200m cruise facility at Terminal 46 would entail a $100m investment from the port and the balance from a partner.

Following a request for proposals, the port had shortlisted Cruise Industry Leaders Group (Royal Caribbean Group, MSC Cruises, Carnival Corp. and SSA Marine, a subsidiary of Carrix), Global Ports Holding and Civil & Building North America, and Ports America with Jacobs Engineering Group.

Commission meeting dates

Port commissioners will consider the preliminary budget during meetings on Oct. 27 and Nov. 10. Commissioners will vote to approve the budget and five-year capital improvement plan approach at their Nov. 17 meeting.