The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) has reached another milestone in its transition to zero-emission cargo handling operations with the arrival of its second battery-electric forklift at the East Blair One (EB-1) Terminal in the Tacoma Harbor. The equipment deployment is funded through a $2,638,030 award from the Washington State Department of Transportation's (WSDOT) 2023-2025 Port Electrification Grant Program. 

The newly delivered forklift is one of several pieces of zero-emission cargo handling equipment being deployed at the breakbulk terminal, which is managed and operated by the NWSA. Grant funding is supporting the purchase of one battery-electric heavy-duty 36,000-pound forklift, two battery-electric 8,000-pound forklifts, and associated charging infrastructure. 

"The arrival of our second electric forklift marks real progress in modernizing operations at East Blair One and reducing emissions from cargo handling activities," said Dick Marzano, NWSA Co-Chair and Port of Tacoma Commission President. "These investments help us improve air quality, support the health of our workforce and neighboring communities, and move closer to our long-term vision of being a zero-emission gateway."

The electric forklifts are replacing diesel-powered equipment that has historically been among the most heavily utilized pieces of cargo-handling equipment at the terminal. As the new machine enters service, the NWSA expects measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and diesel pollution. These improvements advance the goals of Washington state's Climate Commitment Act and Healthy Environment for All Act while supporting cleaner operations across the gateway. 

"We appreciate the state's investment in port electrification and its recognition of the important role ports play in advancing Washington's climate goals," said Ryan Calkins, NWSA Co-Chair and Port of Seattle Commission President. "This funding is helping us accelerate the deployment of zero-emission technologies that support both a competitive supply chain and a healthier environment."

The project is part of the NWSA's broader commitment to the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, which aims to phase out emissions from seaport-related activities in Seattle and Tacoma by 2050 or sooner. The WSDOT Port Electrification Grant Program provides critical funding to accelerate deployment of zero-emission technologies and infrastructure needed to achieve that goal. 

As charging infrastructure is installed and additional equipment is placed into service, the NWSA will continue advancing cleaner cargo operations while maintaining the efficient and reliable service customers expect from the NWSA gateway.

###