Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Forum
The Port of Everett cares about its carbon footprint. We actively work with other Puget Sound ports to ensure we continue to collectively meet federal air quality standards and implement emission reduction measures. The Port is an active member of the Puget Sound Maritime Air Forum, a voluntary association of private and public maritime organizations, ports, air agencies, environmental and public health advocacy groups and other parties with operational or regulatory responsibilities related to the maritime industry. The Forum is committed to accurately quantifying and voluntarily reducing air emissions associated with the maritime transportation of freight and passengers.
A 2016 report compiled by the Puget Sound Maritime Air Forum shows maritime-related air pollutant emissions decreased in nearly every sector between 2005 and 2016. Results showed that air pollutant emissions decreased by up to 97%, depending on the type, including 69% for fine particles, which are harmful to human health.
Green Fleet
Investing in clean energy vehicles and equipment is part of the Port of Everett’s comprehensive effort to protect air quality and reduce its overall carbon footprint.
The Port’s “green fleet” features major cargo handling equipment that support the movement of $21 billion - $30 billion in imports and exports annually. This includes electric gantry cranes that produce zero emissions and various yard equipment like forklifts and reach stackers that make use of ultra-low sulfur diesel and diesel oxidation catalysts.
The Port also utilizes hybrid vehicles among its fleet of security, administration, marina, and maintenance divisions.
Short Sea Shipping Designation
In January 2019, the Port achieved a vital step in reducing congestion on the I-5 corridor while continuing to efficiently move freight in the region. The Port received designation by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as a Federal Maritime Administration Marine Highway Project for the Puget Sound Container on Barge Service under the America’s Marine Highway Program. The Port is one of 25 marine highway projects in the nation, and at the time of designation, was the only marine project designation on the West Coast. The designation makes the Port eligible for grant funding from the Marine Highway Grant Program to fund infrastructure improvements or equipment to enhance the Port’s ability to expand barge service along the Puget Sound marine corridor.
The Port is working in partnership with the Northwest Seaport Alliance (Ports of Seattle and Tacoma) to stand up container on barge service for cargo movement between these ports. Once on-line, this effort sets out to reduce the amount of truck traffic on the highway system, in turn, greatly reducing overall air emissions in the region.