City of Seward Awarded $45.7 Million EPA Grant to Implement Shore Power at Port of Seward
Contributed by Laurie Fagnani
Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced as part of its Clean Ports Program that the City of Seward was awarded their full grant request of $45.7 million as a public - private partnership to provide shore power for the new cruise port of Seward, Alaska, allowing the community to take a huge step towards zero emissions.
The project, which brings together the City of Seward, The Seward Company, Royal Caribbean Group, and the Alaska Railroad, will transform the Port of Seward into a green port by enabling cruise vessels to connect to electrical power from the city’s local grid instead of using diesel generators while docked.
These upgrades include extending the electric transmission line to the port, adding switchgear, and integrating a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to enhance energy management. This investment is a significant step in Seward’s ongoing efforts to balance economic growth with sustainability and to address climate change by reducing mobile source emissions associated with port operations. The local power company, Seward Electric Services, is owned by the City of Seward and currently serves 3,000 customers in the Seward area.
“This will be the most advanced shore power system to ever be installed in Alaska,” said Jason Davis President of Turnagain Marine. “For a community this size, the system will constantly analyze and store power, saving energy and money for the City of Seward, all while making it a better place to visit and live.”
Located at the head of Resurrection Bay on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, Seward is home to Alaska's only deep-water, ice-free port with road, rail, and air connectivity to the state's interior. The City of Seward is a major hub for fishing, freight, and tourism, with the cruise industry playing a key role.
“The EPA Clean Ports Grant is a game-changer for us,” said Seward City Manager Kat Sorensen. “It allows the city to implement shore power technology that will drastically reduce emissions from cruise ships in our coastal Alaska community.”
“We are grateful for The Seward Company and Royal Caribbean Group, the port’s anchor tenant and long-time community partner,” Sorensen continued. “The strong collaboration that our community has with the Royal Caribbean Group has allowed this project to progress with an intentional focus on our community’s needs as it supports visitors to Seward for years to come.
The Clean Ports grant will cover 90 percent of the $50.8 million project cost, aimed at installing electric shore power technology and infrastructure upgrades, and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cruise ships while berthed. The remaining 10 percent in project funding is comprised through funding support and design criteria, from the Seward Company. The Alaska Railroad is also supporting the initiative through land access and assistance with the grant application. The total projected value will exceed $56 million once completed.
“Royal Caribbean made it easy to dream big. At today’s price tag for infrastructure projects, new ideas require long-term thinking and even more support through model public-private partnerships. Without Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to shore power, receiving this EPA grant would not be possible,” said Mickey Richardson, CEO of the Port of Tomorrow and owner of the Seward Company who is developing the New Cruise Port of Seward.
Within the grant, the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC), based in Seward, will receive funding to develop a training program to support the operations and anticipated maintenance for the complete shore power system, including ship connections, computer control systems and battery bank. Once installed, the opportunities for the City of Seward to leverage the battery system and integrated power technology is only limited by the creativity of local students and the next generation of utility operators.
“The Port of Seward’s shore power project will place Seward among the forefront of sustainable ports in North America. By reducing reliance on diesel generators, we are not only cutting emissions but also enhancing the resilience of our local electric grid,” Seward Mayor Sue McClure said.
The Port of Seward Vessel Shore Power Implementation Project is part of the city’s broader effort to promote sustainable development while fostering economic growth. The city looks forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have on both the environment and the community.
All the design elements and construction requirements for the shore power system have been considered by the Seward Company and Turnagain Marine in the Port’s plan development. The new Cruise Port of Seward is scheduled to open in May of 2026, with the integrated shore power system anticipated to be complete shortly after.
“The new Seward Passenger dock represents a generational investment in Alaska’s marine infrastructure – an investment that would not be possible without strong partners in Royal Caribbean, the Seward Company, and the support of the City of Seward,” said Bill O’Leary, President and CEO of the Alaska Railroad Corporation. “We are delighted that this grant has accelerated a greener future, as the new dock will serve Alaska for decades to come.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the selection of 55 applicants across 27 states and territories to receive nearly $3 billion through EPA’s Clean Ports Program. These grants will support the deployment of zero-emission equipment, as well as infrastructure and climate and air quality planning projects at ports across the country.