Template revised January 10, 2019.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM Item No. 8g
ACTION ITEM Date of Meeting December 9, 2025
DATE: November 3, 2025
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: Linda Springmann, Director, Cruise Operations & Maritime Marketing
Kelly Purnell, Capital Project Manager, Waterfront Project Management
SUBJECT: Terminal 91/Pier 66 Cruise Shore Power Extension – Post-Validation contract
amendment (CIP # C801983)
Amount of this request: $5,000,000
Total estimated project cost: $48,665,000
ACTION REQUESTED
Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to approve funding to execute a
Post-Validation Amendment to the alternative public works Progressive Design Build contract,
MC-0322060, for the T91/P66 Cruise Shore Power Extension (C801983) project to further
advance design and complete the development and negotiation of a Guaranteed Maximum Price.
Total requested for this action is $5,000,000 for a total project authorization of $15,450,000.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In July 2024, the Port passed Commission Order No. 2024-08 mandating all homeport cruise ships
to connect to shore power by 2027, three years earlier than the 2030 goal set in the Port’s
adopted Maritime Climate and Air Action Plan. The provision of shore power for cruise ships is
the Port’s greatest opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve local air
quality.
Currently, the Port’s Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 (P91) which opened in 2009 provides
shore power at its two cruise berths. The single berth at the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at
Pier 66 (P66) which opened in 1999 has a new shore power system completed in September
2024. While all three of the Port’s cruise berths are now electrified, upgrades to the systems are
required to provide the additional flexibility needed to accommodate all vessel and berthing
configurations to meet Commission Order No. 2024-08.
The team is utilizing the Progressive Design Build (PDB) alternative delivery and selected Skanska
USA Building, Inc. (Skanska) as the design-builder. As a PDB project, a robust validation period
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8g Page 2 of 9
Meeting Date: December 9, 2025
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
and preliminary design work were required to determine the full scope of the project in
partnership with the Port project team and the supplier of the shore-power equipment, Watts
Marine. With Validation now completed, the Port and Skanska have negotiated and reached
agreement on a target scope, schedule, and budget for the project.
The requested action will provide funding to further advance design and complete the
development and negotiation of a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the work of the project.
This in turn will provide sufficient information to reliably decide whether to proceed with
construction for the full elements of the project, or only the elements need to address current
vessel schedule. A decision on whether to proceed with the full scope of P66 will be determined
between 60% and 90% design as the existing shore power system already accommodates all
current homeport cruise ships at that location. If P66 is deferred, the overall project costs are
anticipated to decrease between $9M to $11M.
JUSTIFICATION
The Port of Seattle is an industry and regional leader in economic development and sustainability.
The Port’s investment in cruise terminals at P66 and P91 result in a significant contribution to the
region’s economy, generating more than 5,500 jobs and nearly $900 million in total local business
revenue each cruise season. The Port also recognizes its responsibility and the importance of
concerted efforts to balance economic growth with sustainability. The Seattle Waterfront Clean
Energy Strategic Plan and the adopted Maritime Climate and Air Action Plan provide a Port
investment strategy to protect the environment and improve community health.
As a global leader in sustainability, the Port is committed to addressing global climate change and
improving local air quality. In 2017 the Port’s Commission adopted GHG reduction targets in
alignment with the Paris Climate Agreement, then updated goals in October 2021 in recognition
of the climate crisis. In November 2021, the Port Commission adopted the Maritime Climate and
Air Action Plan which identifies strategies and actions the Port can take through 2030 to achieve
Port’s Century Agenda GHG target to reduce GHG emissions 50% by 2030 and to position the Port
to phase out seaport-related emissions entirely by 2050. The plan includes a specific commitment
to install shore power at all cruise berths and maximize connections by 2030. In May 2022, the
Port launched a collaborative effort to explore the feasibility of a maritime green corridor aimed
at accelerating the deployment of low and zero GHG emission cruise ships and operations
between Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington. Most recently, the Port passed Commission
Order No. 2024-08 mandating that all home ported cruise ships must connect to shore power by
2027, three (3) years earlier than the Maritime Climate and Air Action Plan 2030 goal.
Shore power can significantly reduce GHG and air pollution emissions with each connection. Staff
estimate shore power can avoid approximately 268 thousand metric tons of carbon (CO2e)
cumulatively through 2050. Assuming a 25-year infrastructure life and $44 million cost, that
represents a cost per ton of carbon reduced over the full lifespan to range from $164 to $406 per
metric ton CO2e. This range is based on the 2025 cruise schedule with the current ability to
connect cruise ships to shore power at P91 and P66 (86% of homeport calls). If 100% of homeport
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8g Page 3 of 9
Meeting Date: December 9, 2025
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
ships plug-in consistent with the Commission Order No. 2024-08 in 2027, shore power use would
result in an additional 45 thousand metric tons of cumulative carbon emissions avoided over a
25-year infrastructure life.
Diversity in Contracting
The project team in coordination with the Diversity in Contracting Department has included a 6%
WMBE aspirational goal in the Progressive Design Build major work contract for this work to
design and construct the pathway for the shore power system and other structural elements of
the project and to install the Watts designed and procured shore power equipment.
Additionally, Watts Marine, LLC is a WMBE firm. The sole-source contract with Watts for design
and procurement of the shore power equipment is 100% WMBE.
DETAILS
Status:
The T91/P66 Cruise Shore Power Extension project is progressing on schedule to meet the
Commission order to plug-in all homeport ships by 2027.
Due to the proprietary nature of the electrical shore power equipment and the ancipated long
lead me, a sole source purchasing contract with Was Marine was executed to ensure that
design and procurement of the equipment is completed and ready for installaon in Q4 of 2026.
Since the Commission authorization to purchase Watts shore power equipment, the transformer
for the T91 West berth has been ordered and design of the remaining equipment has advanced.
The project received Commission authorization for Validation phase funds for the Progressive
Design Build contract in July 2025. The Validation phase of the contract was executed in August
2025 and completed in November. This phase included a thorough berthing study, mooring
analysis, and fieldwork to validate existing conditions of both P91 and P66 cruise berths and to
develop the Target GMP.
Validation Outcomes:
A key part of the validation period included a robust berthing study and mooring analysis at P91
and P66 that evaluated the optimal positioning of all homeported cruise ships, as well as known
cruise ships with potential to call to port in the future. As a result of the berthing and mooring
study, Skanska recommended installation of two (2) additional sawtooth boxes each for shore
power connection on both the west and east berths of P91, and one (1) additional shore power
connection point on P66. The existing sawtooth box on both the east and west berths of P91
were installed during the original shore power system installation in 2009 and are nearing the
end of serviceable life. These are also recommended for replacement with new, modernized
sawtooth boxes that will allow for the maximum flexibility of the mobile cable positioning devices
purchased in 2024. Two (2) new 100-ton mooring bollards at the north end of P91 West are
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8g Page 4 of 9
Meeting Date: December 9, 2025
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
required to accommodate modified berthing arrangements for certain ships to allow for shore
power connection at the new connection locations.
In addition, up to ninety-three (93) deck panels within the west apron area of P91 are currently
assumed to be replaced. These panels were initially incorporated into the Terminal 91 Dock
Rehabilitation project and due for replacement as result of their condition. However, given the
accelerated schedule of the shore power project and the preferred pathway placement of the
shore power conduit duct bank in the ballast above the deck panels, the identified deck panels
within the project route should be replaced as part of the shore power project to avoid
unnecessary and costly rework to replace the panels at a later date as part of the dock
rehabilitation project. The cost of the panels can be moved over from the Terminal 91 Dock
Rehabilitation project CIP# C801294.
Additionally, P66 was analyzed. While the current system is sufficient for all current and
scheduled vessels through 2027, this additional sawtooth box would allow for ships that may call
in the future.
Scope:
This funding request is for the Design and GMP Development phase for the full scope of Terminal
91 and P66 shore power extensions. The decision to advance P66 shore power to construcon
will be determined aer future ships and berth arrangement opons are further analyzed through
the Design phase and cost consideraons can be evaluated through final GMP negoaons.
Design will assume the following scope elements:
- Pier 91
o West Berth
Install Was Marine Transformer, Secondary Switch Gear, and Ground
Switch and associated foundaon upgrades.
Install (2) New Sawtooth boxes and associated cable and pathway
Replace the (1) exisng jib crane sawtooth boxes with new sawtooth boxes
to support the Mobile Cable Posioning Device
Replace approximately 93 precast deck panels that are assumed to be
failing
Install two new bollards and associated structural upgrades
o East Berth
Install Was Marine Ground Switch and Capacitor Bank
Install (2) New Sawtooth boxes and associated cable and pathway
Replace the (1) exisng jib crane sawtooth boxes with new sawtooth boxes
to support the Mobile Cable Posioning Device
- Pier 66
o Install (1) New Was Marine Sawtooth box
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8g Page 5 of 9
Meeting Date: December 9, 2025
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Key Challenges & SoluƟons:
- Homeport Vessel Definion: Comprehensive berthing plan using 2025, 2026, and 2027
cruise schedules. Homeport Vessels were selected by the joint project team.
- Ulity Conflicts: Subsurface ulity engineering and potholing to confirm roung feasibility.
- Seasonal Constraints: Off-season work scheduling and phased construcon plans.
- Concurrent Projects: Clash detecon and coordinaon with gangway and dock rehab
projects.
- A major design restricon for P66 is the fixed gangway, Bertha. It was found that a new
arculang gangway would add more flexibility for future shore power as there is limited
gangway flexibility.
Schedule
The schedule to meet Commission Order No. 2024-08 is aggressive. Project constraints including
other concurrent or overlapping critical projects at P91, permitting delay potential, supply chain
uncertainty, and highly constrained construction work windows due to cruise operations,
commercial fishing operations, and tribal agreements create the risk of schedule slippage.
Schedule assumptions account for best case permitting scenarios, including avoidance of in-
water work. A Progressive Design Build project delivery with a sole source contract to Watts
Marine for shore power equipment design and procurement was selected to mitigate schedule
risk to the extent possible. This Progressive Design Build contract with Skanska allows for some
acceleration of the design process and minimizes potential for unknown construction risks that
cause delays assuming that all milestone dates are met, including this authorization of additional
funding. Failure to meet schedule milestones will put the 2027 in-service date at risk.
Activity
Commission Authorization – T91 Mobile Cable Positioning Devices
(CPDs) and T91 Cruise Shore Power Extension North initial design
funding
August 8, 2023
DORA – Progressive Design Build Procurement and Preliminary Design October 16, 2024
Commission Authorization – Watts Marine, LLC Purchasing Contract April 22, 2025
Commission Authorization - Progressive Design Build Contract –
Validation Phase
July 8, 2025
Progressive Design Build Validation Period Execution August 22, 2025
Commission Authorization – Post-Validation Amendment funding December 9, 2025
Commission Authorization – GMP Amendment funding Q2 2026
Construction Q4 2026 – 2027
In-use date 2027
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8g Page 6 of 9
Meeting Date: December 9, 2025
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Cost Breakdown
This Request
Total Project
Planning through Validation
Pier 91
Pier 66
$0
$0
$0
$2,450,000
$1,620,000
$830,000
Design
Pier 91
Pier 66
$5,000,000
$3,800,000
$1,200,000
$5,000,000
$3,800,000
$1,200,000
Material Pre-Procurements (Watts)
Pier 91
Pier 66
$0
$0
$0
$8,000,0000
$7,000,000
$1,000,000
Construction
Pier 91
Pier 66
$0
$0
$0
$33,215,000
$10,600,000
$7,600,000
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Alternative 1 – Defer extension of cruise shore power systems at P91 and P66. Continue to enable
limited shore power connections for ships that are compatible with the existing shore power
infrastructure.
Cost Implications: While the full cost has not been estimated, per the mandate of Commission
Order No. 2024-08, cruise ships that cannot connect to shore power by 2027 may not be able to
dock at Port cruise berths impacting the cruise revenue for each ship turned away.
Pros:
(1) Provides time for Port to apply for grants to fund extension of shore power system.
Cons:
(1) Does not meet the mandate of Commission Order No. 2024-08 to connect all home-
ported cruise ships to shore power by 2027.
(2) Impacts cruise revenues.
(3) Maintains status quo on GHG emissions.
This is not the recommended alternative.
Alternative 2 – Advance Design and GMP development for shore power system at P91 only.
Cost Implications: Based on the Validation Period and determination of design costs, and the
developed Target GMP, this will increase the current CIP budget by $4.7M.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8g Page 7 of 9
Meeting Date: December 9, 2025
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Pros:
(1) Optimizes approved CIP budget to target the most impactful shore power site where
the most ships can be connected. Based on berthing and mooring analyses performed
by Skanska, the P66 extension will only connect two (2) additional ships at three (3)
calls per season each. These are not homeported ships.
Cons:
(1) Does not allow for necessary additional analysis of P66 to determine benefit of
advancing shore power extension.
(2) Does not provide for maximum flexibility of the shore power capability at P66. Will not
allow all ships that call to port at P66 to connect to shore power. The long-term
flexibility of the system to allow for currently unknown future homeported ships may
not be realized.
This is not the recommended alternative.
Alternative 3 – Advance Design and GMP development for the full scope of the shore power
extension project at both P91 and P66.
Cost Implications: Increase in overall CIP costs of $15.6M.
Pros:
(1) Meets the mandate of Commission Order No. 2024-08.
(2) Allows for maximum flexibility for shore power connection of all known ships that could
call to port at Port cruise terminals.
(3) Provides additional flexibility opportunities for future ships that are not yet known.
Cons:
(1) P66 extension will only allow two (2) additional, non-homeport ships, to connect to
shore power. These ships only have three (3) calls each at P66. The cost to build the
infrastructure may not provide the cost/benefit to justify the expense.
This is the recommended alternative.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Cost Estimate/Authorization Summar
y
Capital Expense Total
COST ESTIMATE
Original estimate $4,000,000 $0 $4,000,000
Previous changes – net* $44,665,000 0 $44,665,000
Revised estimate $48,665,000 0 $48,665,000
AUTHORIZATION
Previous authorizations
Pier 91
$10,450,000
$1,620,000
0 $10,450,000
$1,620,000
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8g Page 8 of 9
Meeting Date: December 9, 2025
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Pier 66
Watts Marine Sole Source Contract
$830,000
$8,000,000
$830,000
$8,000,000
Current request for authorization
Pier 91
Pier 66
Watts Marine Sole Source Contract
$5,000,000
$3,620,000
$1,380,000
$0
0
0
0
$5,000,000
$3,620,000
$1,380,000
$0
Total authorizations, including this request
Pier 91
Pier 66
Watts Marine Sole Source Contract
$15,450,000
$5,240,000
$2,210,000
$8,000,000
0 $15,450,000
$5,240,000
$2,210,000
$8,000,000
Remaining amount to be authorized * * $33,215,000 $0 $33,215,000
* The work completed through the Validation phase of the contract resulted in the determination that
that optimal locations or the sawtooth boxes were further apart than original assumptions, adding
significant costs due to the length of trenching, structural concrete calculations, need for off hour work
due to operational constraints, and nearly double the assumed deck panels that need to be replaced.
**This amount will depend on the outcome of the further study of P66. This number includes the full
scope for both P66 and T91. $9M to $11M could be eliminated if P66 is determined to not need further
upgrade to meet the Commission order at this time. This would reduce the remaining amount to be
authorized under this CIP to between $22M - $24M.
Annual Budget Status and Source of Funds
This project was included in the 2025 Capital Plan C801983 P66/ C801293 P91 Shore Power
Extension with a total project cost of $23,111,000.
This project will be funded by the General Fund
Financial Analysis and Summary
Project cost for analysis $48,665,000
Business Unit (BU) Cruise Operations
Effect on business performance
(NOI after depreciation)
No incremental operating revenue or cost-savings is
directly associated with this project.
• On-going maintenance expenses, if any, are not yet
known.
• Estimated annual depreciation is $1.9M
IRR/NPV (if relevant) N/A
CPE Impact N/A
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8g Page 9 of 9
Meeting Date: December 9, 2025
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND
Originally, P91 and P66 cruise shore power projects were envisioned as two separate projects
under two CIP #s. Initial funding for the P91 Cruise Shore Power Extension North was authorized
by Commission on August 8, 2023, inclusive of the purchase of two (2) mobile cable positioning
devices (CPD) under CIP # C801293. P66 Cruise Shore Power Extension was under CIP # C801983.
As part of a DORA executed on October 16, 2024 for a Progressive Design Build procurement and
early design for both projects, P91 Cruise Shore Power Extension, except for the costs associated
with the purchase of the CPDs which remained under C801293, was transferred to CIP # C801983
with P66 to consolidate the projects under a single CIP and to help expedite both projects to
meet the mandate of Commission Order No. 2024-008 to connect all home ported cruise ships
to shore power by 2027.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST
(1) Presentation
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
July 8, 2025 – Funding authorization in the amount of $1,100,000 for award and execution of the
Validation Period of the major public works Progressive Design Build project.
April 22, 2025 – Funding authorization in the amount of $8M for Watts Marine contract to
purchase shore power equipment.
August 8, 2023 - The Commission authorized funding for P91 Cruise Shore Power Extension and
CPDs in the amount of $2,500,000 for the purchase of the CPDs and early design funding of the
extension.
