Port of Bellingham sustainability report highlights progress under Green Marine framework
The 2024–2025 Sustainability Report issued by the Port of Bellingham showcases the port’s continued efforts to towards a more resilient, low-carbon working waterfront operating in harmony with its community. The report highlights initiatives to reduce emissions, improve water quality, restore habitat, and enhance community relations.
Net zero advancement
The port reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 78% between 2019 and 2024, moving significantly towards its goal of cutting port-controlled emissions by at least 90% by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050. Key actions include installing three EV chargers on port properties, expanding staff participation in the Whatcom Smart Trips program to log more than 932 sustainable trips totalling 5,058 miles (8,1480 kilometres), and adding No Idle Zone signage throughout the port.
Clean energy use
The port continues to purchase 100% of the electricity for its internal use from wind and solar projects through Puget Sound Energy’s Green Direct program. A new 100‑kW solar array at Bellingham International Airport brings the port’s total solar generation to approximately 270 MWh annually, which is roughly the amount required to power 27 average U.S. homes for a year.
Land improvements
The port has undertaken the cleanup of multiple legacy industrial sites, including soil and groundwater remediation at the former Yorkston Oil Company site. In 2025, the port also partnered with Sustainable Connections at the Portal Container Village to divert 496 cubic yards (379 cubic metres) of recyclable and compostable material from landfills, which was 49% of the site’s total waste and an increase of 168 y3 (128 m3) over 2024.
Upcoming modernization
The port is nearing completion of a $27.5-million modernization of the Bellingham Shipping Terminal, supported by a $17.9-million federal Maritime Administration grant to connect the terminal to the BNSF rail line to facilitate efficient ship-to-rail movements, and a $2.8-million Washington State Department of Transportation Port Electrification Grant to install shore power for vessels at berth to plug into electricity instead of running their diesel engines.