Celebrating 20 Years of Sustainable Cruising: Carnival Corporation and Port Seattle’s Shoreside Power Partnership

Carnival Corporation celebrated a significant milestone on June 18, 2025, marking 20 years since its first cruise ship connected to shoreside electrical power in Seattle. This achievement underscores Carnival’s partnership with the Port of Seattle, emphasizing a commitment to quieter and cleaner cruising practices.

On June 18, 2005, the Diamond Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, docked at Terminal 30 and became the first vessel in Seattle to utilize electrical power from the city grid instead of diesel generators. This initiative made Seattle the second port globally to adopt shoreside power technology, following Juneau, as part of Princess Cruises’ early endeavor to reduce carbon emissions.

The shoreside power system allows cruise ships to turn off their engines while at dock, drawing electricity directly from land and significantly reducing environmental impact. The Alaska operations executive of Carnival noted the pride the company takes in being a pioneer of this technology in Seattle, highlighting the value of the long-standing collaboration with the Port, especially given the novelty of such technology two decades ago.

In 2009, the opening of the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 led to the transfer of Carnival’s shore power equipment to that location, ensuring a continuous power supply at that berth. Over time, all three cruise berths in Seattle have been equipped with shoreside power connections, thanks to the efforts of the Port and Carnival’s leadership.

A port commissioner acknowledged Carnival’s role in promoting shared sustainability goals alongside Seattle City Light and other partners, contributing to the growth of Watts Marine. The company completed the installation of shore power solutions at Pier 66 in September 2024, cementing Seattle’s status as a leader in maritime environmental stewardship.

Today, Seattle is among a select few home ports capable of simultaneously supplying power to three docked cruise ships using the local grid. This capability has enhanced air quality across Elliott Bay, showcasing the importance of Carnival’s initial investment in the technology and how it has evolved from a single berth innovation into a comprehensive commitment to sustainable cruising through collaboration and forward-thinking initiatives.

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