The Washington State Department of Transportation recently awarded $26.5 million to 11 state ports to help them electrify their operations.
[Above photo by WSDOT]
These are the first awards through the Port Electrification Grant Program created by the state legislature in 2023 and funded by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The WSDOT said all 75 public ports across the state are eligible to seek grants from this program, which is part of a larger statewide initiative to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
“We are pleased to support cleaner air quality for those who live and work near the ports,” said Jason Biggs, director of WSDOT’s Rail, Freight, and Ports Division, in a statement. “This program helps ports switch from using fossil fuels, creates a better work environment for port staff and ensures nearby neighborhoods are healthier places to live.”
WSDOT is also involved in a related maritime project to replace the ferry vessels it operates with hybrid-electric models.
To that end, Washington State Ferries (WSF) – a division of WSDOT – recently contracted with ABB to help design and build new hybrid-electric-powered 160-automobile-capacity ferry boats.
Per the new partnership, ABB will select and integrate the technology that will power the new vessels, which includes the engine, batteries, and propeller system. The firm is also in charge of designing a “complete propulsion system,” will oversee the timely delivery of equipment, and offer expertise in equipment installation and commissioning as part of its contract with WSF.
ABB will also play a critical role in training WSF’s crews on the operation and maintenance of these new systems, WSDOT noted.