Puget Sound Maritime
Air Emissions Inventory

Setting the Record Straight on Maritime Air Emissions

The Port of Seattle encourages honest, factual discussion of environmental issues in our region. In October the port and its maritime industry partners released the 2011 Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory showing that emissions are down. Earlier today, Puget Sound Sage issued inaccurate information regarding air emissions from Port of Seattle related truck traffic. We’d like to set the record straight. Read the port's full response here.

2011 Inventory Results

The 2011 Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory (2011 EI), published in October 2012, shows that maritime-related air pollution in the Puget Sound region has decreased—as much as 40 percent, depending on the type—since 2005. The Port of Seattle’s air emissions of various pollutants decreased by 5% - 38%, depending on the pollutant. Find the full report here.

The 2011 EI is the second Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory. It provides an update to the 2005 baseline inventory.

The 2011 EI estimated emissions of greenhouse gases, diesel particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and a number of other pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds. The inventory focused on pollutants related to ships, harbor vessels, cargo-handling equipment, rail, heavy-duty trucks and other fleet vehicles associated with maritime activities.

Much of the clean air progress is due to significant, voluntary investments in cleaner technology, cleaner fuels and more efficient systems of operation. The Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy has helped further reduce emissions in the Puget Sound and Georgia air basins. Mandatory engine and fuel standards have also helped reduce emissions.

Results from the 2011 EI will help guide and focus future emissions reduction efforts.