As part of its commitment to achieving zero emissions from all seaport-related activities by 2050, the Port of Seattle is exploring hydrogen and hydrogen-derived fuels as next-generation energy solutions. Through the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, the Port aims to eliminate fossil fuel dependency across operations such as cargo handling, fuel use, buildings, and oceangoing vessels.

While electrification is already under way in some areas, many maritime operations—especially those involving heavy-duty equipment, long-haul trucks, and large ships—require energy solutions beyond batteries. This is where clean hydrogen and its derivatives like methanol and ammonia come into focus.

Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, can be used in combustion engines or fuel cells, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct in the latter case. Although hydrogen combustion can produce harmful nitrous oxide, fuel cells provide a cleaner alternative with zero emissions. The Port sees hydrogen as both a direct fuel source and a precursor to other clean fuels crucial for decarbonizing the maritime sector.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has already engaged in sustainable aviation fuel initiatives since 2008, while the Port is also part of the Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor project, which is assessing the use of green methanol to power cruise ships. Now, hydrogen is being considered for inclusion in the region’s long-term energy mix.

To support the local hydrogen economy, the Port has helped develop the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub (PNWH2), one of seven hubs selected by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2023. The hub aims to drive large-scale hydrogen deployment by linking producers and users across eight sites. Although the Port of Seattle itself does not host a project currently, its partner—the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA)—is designing incentive programs to encourage the adoption of hydrogen-fueled drayage trucks and cargo handling equipment. These would operate across Seattle and Tacoma terminals, cutting both greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution throughout the maritime gateway.

Through collaborative efforts and infrastructure investment, the Port is positioning itself as a catalyst in the clean energy transition while aiming to reach the DOE’s hydrogen cost goal of $1/kg.

Source: 

https://www.portseattle.org/blog/green-hydrogen-role-port-emerging-industry