Washington ports receive state funding for electrification projects

In a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in Washington, the state has awarded $26.5 million to eleven ports to electrify their operations.

This year’s awards are a first, with the Port Electrification Grant Program created in 2023 and funded by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act.

For the 2023-2025 biennium, the state allocated a total of $26.5 million for port electrification grants.

The competitive program was open to all 75 public ports in the state. It is part of a larger program to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector, identified as the largest contributor to pollution in the state.

Eleven port projects were selected for funding, including shore power projects introduced by the ports of Anacortes, Bellingham, Benton, Edmonds, Everett, Friday Harbor, and Seattle. The Northwest Seaport Alliance also received $2.6 million for shore power planning.

Additionally, the Port of Ridgefield received $1.2 million for electric vehicle chargers, while the Port of Kalama received $1.4 million for an electric boat dock.

Specifically, the grants include projects primarily focused on two types of activities: 

• Constructing shore power that allows clean electrical power use while at dock rather than onboard combustion engines for ship operations;
• Installing electric vehicle chargers and purchasing electric vehicles, including drayage trucks to move cargo to and from ships at port facilities.

These projects collectively plan to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by more than 140,000 metric tons over the next 10 years.

Earlier on, the Port of Bellingham revealed its aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 86% annually by using renewable energy for its operations.

Meanwhile, the Port of Seattle became the first port in the U.S. to independently require that 100% of all cruise vessels homeported in Seattle be shore power capable and use shore power.  The order, passed by the Port of Seattle Commission on June 11, 2024, will take effect in the 2027 cruise season.

“We are pleased to support cleaner air quality for those who live and work near the ports,” said Jason Biggs, director of WSDOT’s Rail, Freight and Ports Division.

“This program helps ports switch from using fossil fuels, creates a better work environment for port staff and ensures nearby neighborhoods are healthier places to live.”