The Port of Seattle has mandated that all cruise vessels homeported in Seattle be shore power capable and utilize shore power by 2027.
This decision advances the Port’s previous goal from 2030 to 2027, reflecting a significant commitment to environmental sustainability. Shore power allows vessels to plug into the electrical grid, thereby drastically reducing emissions while docked. This shift is expected to reduce diesel emissions by 80%, with the 2023 cruise season alone having avoided 2,700 metric tons of greenhouse gases and 0.75 metric tons of diesel particulate matter, equating to the annual emissions of 650 passenger cars.
Ocean going vessels, including cruise ships, are the #1 maritime polluter in the Puget Sound area. We urge the state of Washington to implement a statewide shore power policy to eliminate air and water pollution from all ocean going vessels at the ports and protect the health and well-being of port communities.
… said Jayne Stevenson, Climate Policy Associate for Pacific Environment
This move follows the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of California’s At-berth ocean-going vessel rule, paving the way for similar measures in other states. Additionally, the Port of Seattle is collaborating with cruise ports in Alaska and British Columbia to establish a Green Corridor, promoting environmentally responsible cruising practices in the region.
Fern Uennatornwaranggoon of Pacific Environment praised Seattle’s leadership and called on other ports to adopt similar initiatives to achieve zero-emissions in port operations. This initiative not only benefits the environment but also aligns with the growing environmental consciousness of travelers, particularly those cruising to Alaska.
