How do ports impact climate
& air quality?
SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION AT SEAPORTS
The maritime industry is made up of multiple types of equipment that produce GHG emissions and impact air quality.
Each piece of equipment falls under a sector in the maritime supply chain. We track each sector’s emissions and impact on our airshed.
DID YOU KNOW?
The maritime industry is a complex network with numerous contributors to emissions, many beyond the direct control of port authorities. Trucks, trains, ships, and terminal operations are key components of this supply chain. To effectively reduce maritime emissions and achieve the goals of the Northwest Port Clean Air Strategy, strong partnerships with these stakeholders are essential.
Emissions Across
Maritime Sectors
Drayage Trucks
27% of Gateway Emissions
The vast majority of drayage trucks are heavy-duty diesel engine trucks that move cargo to and from the seaports.
Learn About Sector Actions Here
Cargo Handling Equipment
7% of Gateway Emissions
Cargo handling equipment (CHEs) is equipment that moves cargo on industrial facilities. Types of equipment include yard trucks, top handlers, and cranes.
Learn About Sector Actions Here
Locomotives
10% of Gateway Emissions
Trains move cargo to and from the port, including carrying cargo to inland markets such as the U.S. Midwest.
Learn About Sector Actions Here
Ocean Going Vessels
(In Transit)
41% of Gateway Emissions
Ocean-Going Vessels (OGVs) include container ships, cruise ships, tanker ships, bulk cargo ships, breakbulk cargo ships, and roll-on/roll-off ships. The “in-transit” portion of a vessel’s journey is when the vessel is sailing out to sea or to its next port. OGV’s account for about 3% of GHG emissions globally.
Learn About Sector Actions Here
Ocean Going Vessels
(At Berth)
10% of Gateway Emissions
OGV’s park at marine terminals while cargo or cruise ship passengers are offloaded and onloaded, known as being “at berth.” While at berth, ships need power to keep all ship functions running.
Learn About Sector Actions Here
Other
5% of Gateway Emissions
Other emission sources are small and varied. These include harbor vessels, port fleet vehicles, and industrial buildings.
Learn About Sector Actions Here
WHY IT MATTERS
Our focus is on implementing concrete actions to phase out maritime emissions. Our broader mission is to protect and enhance the air and environment we all share. We are dedicated to being exemplary environmental stewards, recognizing the vital connection between a thriving economy and a healthy environment.
IMPACTS ON
REGIONAL AIR QUALITY
Port operations can have a significant impact on air quality, primarily through diesel particulate matter (DPMs). These pollutants pose a direct threat to human health, increasing risks of cancer, asthma, and other respiratory problems. This problem is especially acute in nearby port communities. Studies have shown residents of the Duwamish Valley in neighborhoods like South Park and Georgetown experience lifespans up to 13 years shorter and have higher rates of childhood asthma compared to those further away [1].
Reducing DPMs is a top priority for the Ports. Programs like shore power and the Clean Truck Program have been instrumental in tackling this issue. Since 2005, we’ve achieved an impressive 80% reduction in DPMs. This progress proves the power of collaboration and investment in clean solutions. But our work isn’t done. Our goal is zero DPM emissions. We are committed to implementing new programs with urgency to achieve this ambitious target.
IMPACTS ON
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
Our emissions don’t just affect our local air, they also contribute to climate change. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) trap heat, leading to rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and ecological disruption. To avert the worst of these impacts, we need drastic reductions in GHG emissions across all sectors.
The transportation industry, including shipping, trucking, and rail, contributes roughly 30% of the GHG emissions from supply chains, which itself represents about a quarter of global emissions. Reducing maritime emissions is critical for both the world and our local communities. Shifting weather patterns can damage our vital agricultural ecosystems, impacting farmers and our Port’s business. Rising sea levels pose threats to homes near waterways.
Recognizing these challenges, the ports share a common aim across their climate targets to phase out GHG emissions by 2040 for port-owned sources (Scope 1&2) and by 2050 or sooner for industries operations at port facilities (Scope 3).