In a recent government meeting, Seattle City Light presented a comprehensive briefing on the Port of Seattle's shore power project at Pier 66, aimed at significantly reducing emissions from docked vessels. Phil Ambrose, senior project manager, outlined the project's goals, which include enabling cruise ships and cargo vessels to operate on electrical power while berthed, thereby minimizing reliance on diesel engines.

The initiative is projected to cut diesel emissions by 80% and carbon dioxide emissions by 66% for cruise ships at Pier 66. This aligns with the broader Seattle waterfront clean energy strategy, a collaborative effort between the Port of Seattle, City Light, and the Northwest Seaport Alliance, which seeks to electrify port facilities through 2050.

Ambrose detailed the project's infrastructure, which includes approximately 2,600 linear feet of underground civil works at Terminal 46 and a submarine cable connecting it to Pier 66. The project, which began design work in 2019 and is expected to be completed by the end of September 2024, is part of a larger maritime transportation electrification program.

The financial framework for the project includes a budget of $44 million from the Port, with City Light contributing approximately $3.6 million. A memorandum of agreement (MOA) is set to be executed, allowing City Light to maintain electrical equipment on Port property and establish operational protocols for when cruise ships dock.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project and its potential positive impact on the environment and local communities.