Port of Seattle accelerates decarbonization goals

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Shore power is coming to the Port of Seattle's Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66
The Port of Seattle Commission voted Tuesday to accelerate its emission reduction efforts by 10 years to be net zero or better for port-owned emissions by 2040.

The port also committed to accelerating and expanding its goal for emissions from industries operating at its facilities to be carbon neutral or better by 2050.

The policy directives were timed to coincide with the COP 26 meeting in Glasgow, Scotland. 'The urgency for climate action is underscored by the UN secretary general’s recent statement that the impacts of climate change are a "code red for humanity,"' Port of Seattle Commission President Fred Felleman said.

Shore power

'The port actions today reflect our recognition of this urgency. Along with our partners at the Northwest Seaport Alliance, we’re making significant investments in green infrastructure, such as shore power, to enable our tenants to meet their climate goals as well,' Fellman continued.

Getting to Zero Coalition

Continuing its emphasis on decarbonization, the port also announced participation in new exploratory studies of renewable hydrogen as a future vehicle and maritime fuel source, a new partnership with Seattle City Light and the Northwest Seaport Alliance to focus on waterfront electrification and its membership in Getting to Zero Coalition, a global maritime shipping decarbonization effort that includes cruise operators like MSC Group and Carnival Corp. & plc, the coalition's charter cruise member.

The last available inventory of maritime industry emissions occurring at the Port of Seattle in 2016 showed a decline of 20% since 2005 due to new international and national clean fuel regulations, increased use of shore power and adoption of new, more efficient vessels and equipment.