The Port of Seattle is seeking a public private partnership to redevelop Terminal 46 into a state-of-the-art cruise terminal facility by early 2022.
“The intangible asset of Alaska cruises creates opportunities for Washington businesses of all sizes, from farmers and wine producers in Eastern Washington to museums, hotels, and restaurants around King County,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Stephanie Bowman. “Our principles ensure that this new cruise terminal will expand local economic benefit, and with the addition of our third shore power berth will make Seattle the national leader in promoting clean, electric shore power for our Alaska-bound cruises.”
The Northwest Seaport Alliance’s strategic plan would realign international maritime cargo operations to Terminal 5 (pending an action on March 19) near West Seattle and Terminal 18 on Harbor Island, which opens the opportunity to turn the 29-acre Terminal 46, located just south of Pioneer Square, into a major tourism opportunity.
Alaska cruises departing from Seattle generate an estimated $900 million in annual statewide economic impact and support 5,500 jobs.
In 2019, Seattle’s cruise industry will serve more than 1 million revenue passengers for the third year in a row. These passengers often stay overnight in Seattle and shop, dine, and sightsee locally in addition to the cruise.
Tourism is one of the globally competitive industries highlighted in the region’s economic strategy, Amazing Place.