Port to join Maritime Blue
November 14, 2019
At Thursday's port meeting, port commissioners agreed to join Washington Maritime Blue organization as a Public/Organizational Partner.
There is no cost to the port for joining this organization. Other organizations that have joined WMB are Port of Bellingham, Port of Seattle, WSDOT and Washington State Ferries.
Washington Maritime Blue is committed to the development of maritime business, technology and practices that promote a sustainable future contributing to economic growth, ecological health, and thriving communities.
Joe Poire, port executive director, brought this idea forth to the commissioners to consider. He said that this organization does much to help the river system.
The vision for WMB is to have Washington be the home for the nation's most sustainable maritime industry by 2050.
WMB also has a grant and low-interest loans available.
“If approved I would suggest we get up to speed with barge companies for grants and we will facilitate and help them get these grants,” Poire said.
One goal of WMB that Poire highlighted in Thursday's meeting was of electric ferries and tugs.
The project WMB has set is called Fleet Electrification. They plan to have electrification of state and regional ferries to reduce air and noise emissions. Planned thus far is to convert two existing state ferries, Washington State Ferries to construct two new electric ferries and for Skagit County to have an all-electric ferry.
With the port joining their logo will be displayed on WMB's website and they will be able to apply for grants and loans.
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