A leading cruise line president committed to greener operations, making shore power essential for ports like Seattle’s Pier 66. Shore power allows cruise ships to shut down their engines while docked. Ships use electricity instead, conserving fuel and reducing emissions. This approach improves air quality in Seattle and other ports adopting shore power.
Procuring a Power Source for Pier 66
Pier 66 lacked a power source, so the Port of Seattle developed one. The solution used submarine cable along the seafloor to connect Pier 66 with Seattle City Light’s renewable energy.
Feasibility Studies and Permits
The Port of Seattle completed five years of feasibility studies and permit planning. The process included consultations with environmental agencies and local fisheries. The studies showed submarine cable cost less than terrestrial cable. This approach also avoided trenching through Seattle’s congested downtown.
Laying Cable Outside Downtown Seattle
J.F. Brennan Company (Brennan) installed 6,100 feet of submarine cable across the seafloor outside downtown Seattle. Prime contractor Orion Marine Group completed the landside work. Brennan installed, monitored, and secured the submarine cable from Terminal 46 to Pier 66.
Brennan’s Advanced Equipment and Techniques
The project required specialized safety measures and advanced equipment.
“In the past, cables were pulled ashore by hand or with mules, using steam tugs and paddle wheelers. But today, with environmental regulations and quality expectations, state-of-the-art equipment is essential. This includes elaborate navigation suites, remote control vehicles, linear cable engines, cable counter systems, and shoot tension systems.”
— Cliff Center, Brennan’s subsea cable expert
Monitoring and Securing the Installation
Brennan monitored the underwater installation with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The ROV’s ultra-short baseline (USBL) acoustic positioning system provided accurate, real-time cable tracking. This technology ensured proper placement and verified the cable remained free from obstacles.
Brennan secured the nearshore cable ends with concrete mattresses and protective stone.
The team completed the project in 2024 after years of planning and preparation. Large vessels can now use shore power when docking at Seattle’s Pier 66.
Thank you to every Brennan team member who supported the Pier 66 Shore Power Project. We also thank the Port of Seattle and Orion Marine for making this project possible.
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