Seattle unveils ambitious waterfront electrification plan

The Port of Seattle has presented the Seattle Waterfront Clean Energy Strategy (SWCES) as a major step toward a full energy transition. Developed in collaboration with the Northwest Seaport Alliance (a Green Marine participant) and Seattle City Light, the plan outlines the investments and infrastructure required to achieve complete port electrification.

With energy demands expected to increase fourfold by 2050, shore power stands out as a key priority to facilitate vessels cutting their engines while at berth to reduce polluting emissions.

The strategy estimates that $208 million to $457 million in investments will be needed through 2050 to provide the necessary municipal energy infrastructure and onsite systems, such as substations and transformers. These upgrades aim to secure the power supply and support zero-emission maritime operations.

In alignment with its strong environmental commitment, the Port of Seattle is the first in the United States to require all homeported cruise vessels to use shore power starting in 2027.