The Washington State Department of Transportation has announced that 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 tonnes over the next 10 years.
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 programme was open to all 75 public ports in the state. It is part of a larger programme to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector, identified as the largest contributor to pollution in the state.
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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 the 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 programme helps ports switch from using fossil fuels, creates a better work environment for port staff and ensures nearby neighbourhoods are healthier places to live.”
More recently, the Alabama Port Authority announced its application for a federal grant to launch a major emissions reduction effort at port facilities.
