The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) has adopted near-term implementation plans that guide emission reduction efforts for seaport-related activities.
The Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy covers six sectors of port activity: oceangoing vessels, cargo-handling equipment, trucks, harbour vessels, rail and port administration, and tenancy facilities.
The plans include direct changes in equipment, fuels, and infrastructure to fulfil both of the ports’ commitment to clean air and the overall phasing out of sea-port emissions by 2050.
The Port of Seattle previously adopted the Charting the Course to Zero: Port of Seattle’s Maritime Climate and Air Action Plan on 16 November. This aimed to identify strategies through 2030 to halve greenhouse gas emissions.
Meanwhile, the Port of Tacoma adopted its Clean Air Strategy Implementation Plan on 17 November 2021. This includes developing and implementing a policy to incorporate building practices in port owned buildings, while also transitioning the ports fleet to hybrid and electric vehicles.
The NWSA adopted their 2021-2025 Implementation Plan on 7 December 2021. This includes:
- Reducing emissions from existing fleets of vessels, vehicles, and equipment by scrapping more than 50 high-polluting trucks through the Scrap and Replace Program, adding zero-emission cargo handling equipment to operations, and deploying a hybrid zero-emission tug within the gateway.
- Accelerating the transition to zero-emission fuels and technologies through the development of fueling and charging infrastructure including continued installation of shore power on international container terminals.
- Collaborating closely with tenants and industry partners to deploy the Clean Truck Collaborative and implement an International Engagement Strategy for reducing vessel emissions.
“Each of our ports plans were developed in close collaboration with government, industry, and community stakeholders whose engagement strengthened and increase the viability of the port’s commitments,” said Fred Felleman, Commission President for the Port of Seattle, and Co-Chair of the Northwest Seaport Alliance.
“We are starting today so that we can meet our carbon reduction commitments for decades to come and will continue to seek state, federal, and private resources to increase our competitiveness as a green gateway.”
Dick Marzano, Commission President for the Port of Tacoma and Co-Chair of the Northwest Seaport Alliance, added “The adoption of these implementation plans is a critical step in the success of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy and maintaining our commitment to reducing air emissions to zero.
“Over the next five years, our ports will enact these changes and make key investments that enable us to protect air quality and continue to be leaders in the international call to take action on climate change.”
The NWSA previously further its environmental efforts by approving a $500,000 fund to support the use of Electric Yard Trucks in the Port of Tacoma.
Announced in August 2021, Rail Management Services were said to purchase the terminal tractors and charging stations, with the NWSA installing the electrical infrastructure to support the charging of the trucks.
