Motion 2019-02 – Cruise Business Development Principles Page 1 of 3

MOTION 2019-02:

A MOTION OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION

supporting principles for the development of the Port’s

cruise business and to guide engagement with prospective

partners and stakeholders in the operation of existing and

potential new cruise facilities; directing the issuance of a

request for qualifications.

AMENDED AND ADOPTED

MARCH 12, 2019

INTRODUCTION

Strong and steady growth in Alaska homeport cruise operations over 20 years has provided

significant benefits to the Seattle community and Washington’s economy. The Port is now the

largest public cruise ship homeport on the West Coast, generating consistent economic returns

for the region and operating with a high standard customer service and environmental

responsibility at the berth and in the waters from Seattle to Alaska. Growing customer demand

in the Alaska cruise market creates new opportunities to optimize use of existing terminals and

pursue the construction of a new terminal and berth, further contributing to a robust regional

maritime economy. The benefits of cruise business expansion should be realized throughout

the region and in all communities, and the impacts managed responsibly.

Therefore, the Port of Seattle Commission, in consultation with the Executive Director and

Maritime Division, have developed a set of principles to advance the Port of Seattle as the West

Coast’s premier cruise home port. The principles reflect the Port of Seattle’s Century Agenda

goal to strengthen this region as a leading tourism destination and double the economic value

of cruise, while maintaining the Port’s triple bottom line – balancing environmental, financial,

and societal goals. This guidance will be incorporated in the March release of a request for

qualifications and subsequent selection of proposals.

TEXT OF THE MOTION

Recognizing the importance of preserving opportunities of existing maritime uses and the need

for partnerships with local governments, tribes and communities, the Port Commission hereby

directs the Port of Seattle staff to incorporate the following key principles in developing and

operating cruise terminals. The Port Commission also directs staff to issue a request for

qualifications as the next step in developing a public-private-partnership and further directs

staff to collaborate with other stakeholders who will assist in achieving these goals.

Motion 2019-02 – Cruise Business Development Principles Page 2 of 3

(1) Maximize the use of the Port’s deep-water facilities and industrial lands to serve maritime

industrial uses.

(a) Preserve and utilize industrial zoned lands.

(b) Preserve waterfront lands for maritime industrial uses.

cargo businesses and supporting the competitiveness goals of the Northwest Seaport

Alliance.

(d) Complement cruise terminal with other maritime uses including cargo.

(2) Expand economic, cultural and community benefits within Cruise Operations and

Development.

(a) Acknowledge historical and cultural roots of the region in any terminal development.

1. Engage in government-to-government consultation with regional tribes in order

to manage opportunities and impacts accordingly.

2. Honor tribes’ waterfront heritage in the Port’s cruise facilities through direct

partnerships.

(b) Work productively and collaboratively with organized labor and enter into a project

labor agreement for any capital construction thereby ensuring living wage jobs for

employees and apprenticeship opportunities.

communities.

1. Promote local, small, and women-, minority-, and tribal-owned businesses.

2. Support neighboring and local businesses’ ability to benefit from cruise

development.

(d) Coordinate access to public spaces, downtown connectivity, and other areas of interest

with other stakeholders and public entities.

1. Respect the integrity and character of the surrounding neighborhoods.

2. Work to strengthen partnerships with near-port communities.

(3) Support financial sustainability of the Port of Seattle.

(a) Maximize income, taking into consideration risk-sharing and capital investment.

Motion 2019-02 – Cruise Business Development Principles Page 3 of 3

(b) Leverage the financial return of the cruise business to support a diverse maritime

economy.

(4) Incorporate leading edge environmental stewardship and sustainability practices and facilities

that can exceed existing regulations.

(a) Set aggressive goals to minimize greenhouse gas impacts in operation of ships and

terminals to support the Port’s goals of reducing carbon by 50 percent by 2030 and

thecarbon-neutral-by-2050 goal.

(b) Lead the region and the industry to minimize air emissions, ensure water quality and

protect our ecosystems, focusing on minimizing air and water discharges at dock and

underway.

initiatives, including considering recommendations from the state’s Orca Task Force.

(d) Require use of shore power where feasible by equipped ships. and include shore power

capabilities at the new berth.

(5) Facilitate improved transportation mobility of people and goods in the region.

(a) Support innovative transportation solutions for passengers, terminal and cruise vessel

provisions.

(b) Seek vehicle trip reduction opportunities and provide options other than passenger

vehicles for access to the terminal.

businesses.

(d) Implement multi-modal transportation solutions that benefit the Seattle harbor.

(6) Provide consistent excellence in customer service to strengthen Seattle’s role as the West

Coast’s premier cruise port.

(a) Manage efficient, comfortable transportation to and from ships.

(b) Provide information, wayfinding and connections with local and regional communities.