The Value

Washington’s maritime industry must rapidly shift to new low and zero carbon fuels to remain globally competitive, confront climate change, and advance environmental justice. New international targets on shipping emissions, increasing customer expectations, and improving the health of our communities are key drivers. Our state’s history of leadership in clean energy and technology, research and development and maritime innovation affords a unique capacity for economic development.

The Need

• The Pacific Northwest is a maritime fueling hub for a range of vessel types essential to trade, tourism, and commerce.
• Washington’s maritime industry generates over $45.9 billion in total revenue, supports 174,300 jobs and $14.4 billion in labor income.
• In 2019, international bunker fuels sold in Washington resulted in approximately 6.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, an amount equivalent to 16% of total Washington transportation sector emissions.
• In 2019, an estimated 538 million gallons of maritime fuels were supplied in Washington.
• Pollution from fossil maritime fuels like diesel, heavy fuel oil, and marine gas oil is concentrated around ports and contributes to health disparities in near-port communities which rank among the highest in diesel pollution and disproportionate impact by the Department of Health’s Environmental Health Disparities Map

To learn more, please contact cassidy@maritimeblue.org