Legislature Awards Port of Everett Seaport $5 Million for Electrification, Modernization

The Port of Everett has been awarded $5 million in community project funds from the Washington State Legislature to expedite plans to electrify Pier 3 and help modernize its international seaport.

Dock electrification is one of many efforts underway at the Port of Everett Seaport to help “green” the supply chain. In this case, electrifying Pier 3 and modernizing other infrastructure and utilities will immediately reduce carbon footprint and further improve air quality at the working waterfront. The project eliminates use of diesel generators at Pier 3 and makes infrastructure improvements to enhance resilience of the Port.

This forward-thinking investment in maritime infrastructure also sets the Port of Everett’s facilities up for a more sustainable future, adding the capability to support future innovations in maritime, such as electric tugs now in development.

“The Legislature has made massive investments in electrifying our transportation sector in recent years, but I was especially excited to secure funding for such a crucial project in our community in Everett,” said Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett). “Electrifying Pier 3 will help protect our environment for future generations all while modernizing the maritime industry – a massive win for Everett!”

Constructed in 1973, the 650-foot Pier 3 dock has had continued upgrades since the 1990s. Upon completion of this next set of upgrades, it is expected that over 630 tons of carbon dioxide will be eliminated in the first year alone.

One of the many components of this project is installing infrastructure to support future electric plug-in capabilities to serve an emerging market of all-electric harbor craft, including tugs, barges and more, that could dock here in the near future. This effort will spur further reduction in emissions and support decarbonization initiatives in the shipping industry.

“This investment will contribute to restoring the health of the Puget Sound and further encourage the development of a greener maritime and trade industry,” said State Rep. Julio Cortes of the 38th Legislative District. “I am proud to be part of a project that will invest in upgraded supply chain infrastructure while reducing greenhouse gas emissions."

As an environmental steward, the Port of Everett is committed to greening the supply chain through sustainable infrastructure, environmental restoration, and climate change readiness.

“While the Port’s mission is to grow the economy and create family-wage jobs, we always incorporate sustainable practices and environmental stewardship into all our operations, plans, initiatives and projects,” Port Commission President Glen Bachman said. “By design, the Port of Everett is an economic driver, but we also work hard and take pride in being an environmental leader for our region.”

In the past decade, the Port has invested more than $150 million in Seaport Modernization to enhance its maritime facilities to support the efficient movement of commerce, all while improving stormwater treatment, upgrading docks to prepare for larger and greener ships with an eye on the future transition to shorepower, accounting for future sea-level rise and cleaning up legacy contamination from former mill sites, among other things.

“I’m so pleased that the Port of Everett is poised to take advantage of state funding for decarbonization of our state’s maritime industry,” said Senator June Robinson of the 38th Legislative District. “This puts Everett on the forefront of developing greener infrastructure that will bring new jobs and commerce to our region”

Investment in port infrastructure has a direct impact on economic vitality and job growth in the region. By investing in facilities that are attractive to maritime users looking to both find efficient and greener cargo facilities, and by serving industry and manufacturers throughout the region, the Port’s operations support over 40,000 jobs and contributes $433 million to state and local taxes.

“Decarbonizing the maritime industry is the way of the future,” said Rep. Mary Fosse of the 38th Legislative District. “This infrastructure investment will increase the competitiveness of our Port here in Everett as well as the maritime sector in the Pacific Northwest. I'm proud to be a part of this project because it will bring living wage jobs to our community while honoring our state's commitment to a greener economy.”

For more information, contact Catherine Soper, Port of Everett Communications & Marketing Director at catherines@portofeverett.com.

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About the Port of Everett Seaport
The Port of Everett Seaport, located 25 miles north of Seattle, is a natural deep-water, self-operating seaport that supports nearly $21 BILLION worth of U.S. exports annually, ranking as the #2 export customs district in Washington state – #5 on the U.S West Coast. The Port of Everett is the third largest container port in Washington state and is the region’s premiere breakbulk cargo facility, handling high-value, conventional and overdimensional cargoes in support of the aerospace, construction, military, manufacturing, agriculture, energy and forest products industries. Most notably, the Port of Everett serves as an extension of the aerospace manufacturing process, accommodating 100-percent of the oversized aerospace parts for the 747 (retired), 767, 777, 777X and K-C Tanker programs. In 2021, the Port was designated a MARAD Strategic Commercial Seaport – one of only 18 nationwide. The Port’s regional transportation network supports more than 40,000 jobs and contributes $433 million in state and local tax base. With more than 60 percent of jobs tied to trade in Snohomish County, the Port of Everett continuously looks for ways to expand cargo handling capabilities, green the supply chain and keep freight moving efficiently. Learn more at www.portofeverett.com/seaport