A total of $26.5 million recently was awarded to 11 Washington ports to electrify their operations. These projects collectively plan to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by more than 140,000 metric tons over the next 10 years, according to Washington State Department of Transportation's release.
This year’s awards are a first, with the Port Electrification Grant Program created by the Legislature in 2023 and funded by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The competitive program was open to all 75 public ports in the state. It is part of a larger program to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector, identified as the largest contributor to pollution in the state.
The grants being funded this year include projects primarily focused on two types of activities:
Constructing shore power that allows clean electrical power use while at dock rather than onboard combustion engines for ship operations.
Installing electric vehicle chargers and purchasing electric vehicles, including drayage trucks to move cargo to and from ships at port facilities.
“We are pleased to support cleaner air quality for those who live and work near the ports,” said Jason Biggs, director of WSDOT’s Rail, Freight and Ports Division. “This program helps ports switch from using fossil fuels, creates a better work environment for port staff and ensures nearby neighborhoods are healthier places to live.”
Following a competitive review process, grant awards were presented to:
Northwest Seaport Alliance ($2.6 million for shore power planning).
Port of Anacortes ($1.03 million for shore power and zero emission equipment).
Port of Bellingham ($2.8 million for shore power).
Port of Benton ($ 2.7 million for shore power).
Port of Edmonds ($1.5 million for shore power).
Port of Everett ($4.3 million for shore power, electric trucks and cleaner generators).
Port of Friday Harbor ($7 million for shore power and electric trucks).
Port of Kalama ($1.4 million for an electric boat dock).
Port of Port Angeles ($525,408 for shore power and electric cargo equipment).
Port of Ridgefield ($1.2 million for electric vehicle chargers).
Port of Seattle ($1 million for shore power).