The Port of Seattle is set to become the first port in the world with three shore power systems for cruise ships. The installation of a third shore power system at Pier 66 will allow ships to connect to electricity while at the dock, reducing emissions and improving air quality by enabling them to turn off their diesel engines.
The port, which operates the largest and fastest-growing cruise port on the West Coast, aims to enhance air quality in historically underserved communities and support the green maritime industry. The addition of the third shore power system is part of the port’s Waterfront Clean Energy Strategy, which also focuses on modernizing the grid, increasing resilience of critical infrastructure, and promoting growth in electrification, renewable fuels, and clean technology.
The new shore power connection is expected to be fully operational by the 2024 Alaska cruise season. The contract for the shore power system components was awarded to Watts Marine, a Kingston-based company known for its innovation and integration of shore power technology. Watts Marine has previously installed ten shore power systems globally, including in ports such as Seattle, San Diego, San Francisco, Halifax, Vancouver, Brooklyn, and Long Beach.
Watts Marine facilitates the entire shore power process, assisting the marine industry with regulatory compliance, designing and building systems, installing heavy equipment, and managing system operation and maintenance. Each shore power system is tailored to the cruise ship industry and includes proprietary equipment for dual-voltage electrical service, custom cable handling, and electronic monitoring and control.
