The Port of Seattle has taken a significant step towards environmental sustainability by voting to require cruise vessels with homeporting agreements to utilize shore power by 2027. This decision positions the Port of Seattle as the first in the nation to mandate shore power independently, going beyond state regulations. The Port, although not a regulatory agency, has the authority to establish requirements for its long-term agreements with cruise lines. This accelerated timeline comes after the Port initially set a goal of 2030 for all cruises to use shore power.
The implementation of shore power infrastructure in Seattle has been a long-term endeavor. Carnival Corporation, a major player in the cruise industry, invested in shore power at two cruise berths as early as 2004. Currently, the Port of Seattle is in the final stages of completing the work at Pier 66, further expanding the availability of shore power.
Shore power, also known as cold ironing, is the practice of connecting cruise ships to electrical power on land while they are docked, rather than relying on their onboard diesel engines. By plugging into shore power, cruise vessels can significantly reduce their diesel emissions. According to a news release from the Port of Seattle, this practice can lead to an average reduction of 80% in diesel emissions from cruise vessels while berthed. During the 2023 cruise season alone, shore power contributed to the reduction of emissions equivalent to hundreds of passenger cars driving for an entire year.
In addition to the commitment to shore power, the Port of Seattle is collaborating with cruise ports in Alaska and Canada to develop strategies for what they envision as “the world’s first cruise-focused Green Corridor” from Seattle to Alaska. This initiative aims to enhance sustainability practices across the entire cruise industry.
Furthermore, the Port of Seattle and Carnival Corporation recently reached a 10-year agreement that solidifies their shared commitment to zero-emissions sustainability. The plan focuses on economic development opportunities and seeks to boost the economic impact of the cruise industry in the region. This agreement builds upon the existing partnership between the Port of Seattle and Carnival, highlighting their joint efforts towards a greener and more sustainable future.
