Port of Seattle accelerates decarbonization

Recognizing the urgency of action required to address climate change, the Port of Seattle is accelerating its emissions reduction efforts to achieve net zero or better for all directly attributed port operation emissions by 2040, a decade sooner than globally targeted. The port has also committed to accelerate and expand its emissions goal for industries operating at its facilities to be carbon neutral or better by 2050.

The new targets were approved by the port’s commissioners on Oct. 26, with the policy directives timed to coincide with the Conference of Parties 26 (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,’” said Port of Seattle Commission President Fred Felleman.

Along with its partners at the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), the Port of Seattle is making significant investments in green infrastructure, such as shore power, to facilitate port tenants meeting their climate goals as well.

To further advance decarbonization efforts, the port has also announced participation in new exploratory studies of renewable hydrogen as a future vehicle and vessel fuel source. It has also established a new partnership with Seattle City Light (SCL) and the NWSA to focus on waterfront electrification. The port is also a member of a global maritime shipping decarbonization coalition that is called Getting to Zero.