December 19, 2025
In 2025, the Port of Seattle made decisive progress in its commitment to environmental leadership and regional resilience. This work is building a thriving, sustainable economic hub for our community, focused on a healthy Puget Sound, bold climate action, and strong partnerships. Known as a Sea Change, this transformation of aviation and maritime operations demands action every year in order to meet long-term goals. These efforts represent a collective achievement, made possible by tenants, customers, and government partners who champion environmental goals to make measurable process. Below are a few highlights for the year.
Protecting Puget Sound and restoring habitat
- Restoring salmon habitat: The Port partnered with the cities of Burien and SeaTac on the Miller Creek Restoration Project, creating 450 feet of new salmon habitat and 1.4 acres of new floodplain
- East Waterway remedial design: Launched the final design phase with the EPA for the cleanup of the Harbor Island Superfund Site's East Waterway, a major step in this complex regional remediation
- Global recognition: The Port’s innovative Stormwater Utility was shortlisted for a top global sustainability award by the International Association of Ports and Harbors
- Science-based stewardship: Deployed new underwater monitoring technology in Elliott Bay to better understand and protect marine life from noise pollution
Driving decarbonization and clean energy
- Reducing emissions: Achieved a 44% reduction in Port-wide greenhouse gas emissions since 2005. Emissions from maritime operations dropped by a remarkable 72%
- Powering cleaner cruises: With shore power now at all three cruise berths, a record 68% of cruise ships plugged in at port, avoiding over 6,000 metric tons of emissions
- Fueling the future: Completed a Green Methanol Feasibility Study for the Pacific Northwest-Alaska corridor and secured $3 million in federal Clean Ports Program funding to accelerate the transition to sustainable maritime fuels
- Electrifying infrastructure: Advanced the Seattle Waterfront Clean Energy Strategy with Seattle City Light and expanded electric vehicle fast-charging infrastructure at SEA Airport
Engaging communities and building responsibly
- Quieter communities: Advanced the Sound Insulation Program, assessing homes and completing installations to mitigate airport noise for nearby residents
- Sustainable growth: Embedded carbon-reduction strategies into the design of over 700,000 square feet of new building projects and advanced the Sustainable Airport Master Plan through key federal and state environmental reviews
- Streamlined stewardship: Secured a new 10-year permit to streamline in-water maintenance while ensuring strong environmental protections for Puget Sound
These 2025 highlights demonstrate the Port’s ongoing work and commitment translating vision into action. Along with our partners, we are building the Port of the future, one that is environmentally responsible, economically thriving, and deeply connected to our community.
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