NWSA connects Husky terminal to shore power
The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) has completed the shore power system at the Husky terminal in Tacoma, with Hapag-Lloyd’s ‘Kuala Lumpur Express’ becoming the first vessel to plug in on 15 June.
The Husky terminal thus became the second international cargo facility in the USA’s Washington state with such services, following terminal 5 in Seattle WA (USA).
This step is part of NWSA’s strategy to electrify all international terminals by 2030 and eliminate maritime emissions by 2050. Shore power enables vessels to switch off diesel engines while at berth and connect to the local power grid, reducing air pollution and noise in nearby communities.
The USD 3 million project was supported by the EPA, the VW Settlement fund and the US federal state of Washington. It was delivered in partnership with Husky terminal, Tacoma Public Utilities, ILWU Local 22 and others.
The next terminals due for electrification are terminal 18 in Seattle and Washington United in Tacoma. (ah)