When an at-berth cruise ship plugs in to the city grid to receive “shore power,” its diesel engines are shut down, eliminating the emissions from the ship. This process also referred to as “cold ironing”. Without it, the diesel engines must run continuously to operate onboard lighting, pumps, ventilation and communication required while at berth, or “hotelling”. Cold ironing is an effective way to reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbon (HC), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are eliminated when a vessel goes cold.
Princess Cruises (since 2005) and Holland America Line (since 2006) have outfitted ships with custom-built, state-of-the-art electrical connection cabinets that automatically connect the ship's electrical network to the local network ashore. Electrical power is transmitted to the vessel via four 3 1/2-inch diameter flexible cables. The actual connection on the vessel is a traditional, though quite large, male/female plug and socket.
Shore power infrastructure was first installed at the cruise facility at Terminal 30, and now has been moved to Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 for the 2009 season. Cruise vessels call frequently (i.e. one day per week) from May 1 - September 30 annually.
CO2 Emission Reductions:
- In 2005, Princess’ use of shore power reduced the equivalent of 2,735 tons of CO2 emissions
- In 2006, Holland America Line's use of shore power eliminated an estimated 789.6 tons, or 29% of CO2 emissions
Ships and Bio-fuels
Two Seaport cargo terminals (leased by APL and SSA) are continuing to use a 20% biodiesel blend to fuel cargo-handling equipment. Marine Maintenance continues to use a 99% biodiesel blend in their diesel-powered equipment. The use of biodiesel reduces both diesel particulate matter and lifecycle emissions of greenhouse gases.
Lower Duwamish Superfund Site
The Duwamish River is home to industry and manufacturing and is also important to fishing, recreation and wildlife habitat. Because of pollution left by historical uses, a portion of the waterway was designated as a federal Superfund site in 2001. Today, there are a number of projects underway to clean up the waterway while ensuring it continues to serve as the industrial heart of Seattle.
Port of Seattle is one of four parties investigating and developing cleanup alternatives for the Lower Duwamish Superfund Site under the oversight of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington State Department of Ecology. The site is a 5-mile section of the river from the southern tip of Harbor Island to just upstream of the Upper Turning Basin. The draft of the Remedial Investigation was released for public comment in November 2007, identifying the concerns and risks at the site. The draft Feasibility study which identifies possible cleanup alternatives for the site will be released in April 2009.
Meanwhile, the Port has drafted its Lower Duwamish River Habitat Restoration Plan, aimed at creating a long-range framework for investments on Port property that lies along the shoreline of the river. The Port Commission is expected to review the plan for adoption during April 2009.
Seaport Shoreline Plan
The Port of Seattle created a Seaport Shoreline Plan in response to a Washington State Department of Ecology mandate for updates of Shoreline Master Programs by city agencies. Approved by the Port Commission in February 2008, it provides the Port’s outlook regarding port operations and facilities affected by shoreline management goals and regulatory requirements. It identifies existing and appropriate future sites for port facilities and development, habitat mitigation, and public access at each of the Port’s shoreline properties. It also presents the Port’s policy and operational needs related to Shoreline Master Program administrative procedures, permitting, and relationships to other regulatory programs affecting port shoreline areas.
Seaport Stormwater Management
The Seaport’s stormwater management program continues to be implemented. We have developed an Operation and Maintenance Manual that identifies practices and standards of the stormwater infrastructure and an Illicit Discharge and Elimination Program that identifies improper discharges of pollutants from Port facilities. Additionally, we developed three stormwater monitoring programs that include: 1) outfall monitoring, 2) treatment best management practice monitoring and 3) program effectiveness monitoring.
Another important aspect of the stormwater program is education and technical assistance, involving one-on-one work with our tenants. In support of that effort, our education Web pages describe issues associated with stormwater and stormwater pollution prevention methods.
Des Moines Creek Partners
Last year Port Commissioners joined local mayors and elected officials to celebrate the grand opening of the Des Moines Creek Basin Planning project. The Basin Plan is a partnership between local cities, the port and state department of transportation, to find cooperative solutions to the problems in this urban creek. The plan resulted in a regional water detention facility, high-flow bypass to the Puget Sound, replacement of a bridge, and creek buffers and habitat improvements.
|
