Carnival Corporation and Port Seattle Mark Two Decades of Shoreside Power Innovation

Carnival Corporation, the prominent cruise ship owner, celebrated a significant maritime achievement on June 18th, marking 20 years since its first ship utilized shoreside electrical power in Seattle. This milestone emphasizes the productive collaboration with the Port of Seattle, contributing to quieter and cleaner cruising experiences.

On June 18, 2005, the Diamond Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, docked at Terminal 30, becoming the inaugural ship to draw power from the local grid instead of relying on diesel generators. This advancement made Seattle the second port globally, following Juneau, to implement such technology—part of Princess Cruises’ commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

Shoreside power allows cruise ships to turn off their engines while docked, harnessing electricity from the land, a practice now recognized across the industry. An executive from Carnival’s Alaska operations expressed pride in this innovation, acknowledging its initial novelty two decades ago and the ongoing partnership with the Port of Seattle.

In 2009, Carnival moved its shore power setup to the newly opened Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Pier 91), creating a consistent plug-in point at this berth. Following the Port’s encouragement, all three Seattle cruise berths have since been equipped with shore power, leading to enhanced connections.

A port commissioner commended Carnival for its leadership in aligning with Seattle City Light on shared sustainability goals. This collaboration also spurred growth for Watts Marine, a company that has become a leader in shore power solutions, completing installations at all three Seattle terminals by September 2024.

Today, Seattle stands out as one of the few ports capable of simultaneously supplying electricity to three docked cruise ships, enhancing air quality around Elliott Bay and solidifying the city’s reputation for maritime environmental stewardship. The shore power initiative continues to evolve, transforming Seattle’s waterfront into a model of innovation and sustainability in the cruise industry.

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