PORT UPDATES
On the environmental front, Felleman underscored the port’s aggressive push toward decarbonization and shore power expansion.
Suquamish and Muckleshoot Tribes to promote environmental stewardship, fisheries coordination, and workforce development. Looking ahead, Felleman noted the importance of balancing growth with community inter- ests as Seattle’s waterfront evolves. In a Seattle Times op-ed coauth- ored with Executive Director Steve Metruck (https://www.seattletimes. com/opinion/at-the-heart-of-seattles- waterfront-is-its-working-port/), he discusses the port’s investments in public access and urban coexistence. “Environmental responsibility isn’t just moral—it’s enlightened self-inter- est,” he said. “In a growing city like Seattle, maintaining our social license to operate is as vital as the cargo we move.” With expanding green infrastruc- ture, strong tribal partnerships, and a thriving cruise sector, the Port of Seattle continues to position itself as a model for sustainable, community- integrated maritime development on the West Coast. Port of Skagit Sarah Young, Executive Director for the Port of Skagit, highlighted the port’s diverse development initiatives — ranging from industrial growth and aviation expansion to historic revital- ization and tourism. Located in Skagit County, Washington, about 30 miles north of the Port of Everett, the Port of Skagit operates not as a shipping port but as a real estate and economic develop- ment agency. It manages 2,400 acres of industrial property across three locations, a 500-slip marina in La Conner, and a general aviation airport in Bayview Ridge. “Our bread and butter is really manufacturing — particularly aero- space, maritime manufacturing, and value-added agriculture,” Young said.
— a 10-year partnership between the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma that jointly manages the region’s container oper- ations. Together, the two ports move about 3.3 million TEUs annually via approximately 1,800 vessel visits. The Port of Seattle’s operations are highly diversified, encompassing cargo terminals, cruise facilities, the North Pacific fishing fleet, and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which handles 53 million passengers each year. The cruise sector remains a major economic driver, with 298 ship calls expected in 2025 and 1.9 mil- lion revenue passengers contributing roughly $900 million in local eco- nomic impact. On the environmental front, Felleman underscored the port’s aggressive push toward decarboniza- tion and shore power expansion. All three of Seattle’s cruise berths now fea- ture shore power capability, allowing ships to plug in and shut off engines while docked. Beginning in 2027, only cruise ships equipped for shore power will be permitted to call at the Port — a move Felleman described as a land- mark step in reducing emissions. Two major container terminals — Terminal 5 in Seattle and Husky Terminal in Tacoma — are also now shore power capable, and additional clean energy initiatives are supported by funding from Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act. The port continues to strengthen its ties with Indigenous communities, recently signing an agreement with the Puyallup Tribe to expand a breakbulk terminal on the Tribe’s property that will be co-managed with the NWSA in Tacoma. The Port also maintains memoranda of understanding with the
The Port’s growth has been made possible through strong public-private partnerships, including $46.5 million in federal funding and $15 million from the provincial government. These collaborations are enabling the Port to explore manufacturing expansion, rail revitalization, and job creation oppor- tunities that could further boost the island’s economy. “Our success is built on strategic partnerships—between all levels of government and our private partners,” Hais emphasized. “Without that collaboration, none of this prog- ress would have been possible.” Port of Seattle Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman highlighted the port’s continued leadership in sustain- able development, cruise expansion, and collaborative governance. He reflected on the shared economic and environmental goals between U.S. and Canadian ports, emphasizing that trade fosters peace and partnership. Now serving his third term as com- missioner, Felleman also represents the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA)
Fred Felleman, Port of Seattle
16 — PACIFIC PORTS — October/November 2025
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