Port of Anacortes Advances Port Modernization with A-Dock Electrification and Infrastructure Upgrades
July 30, 2026 | News
The Port of Anacortes will strengthen shore power capacity and make electric vessel operations possible through an investment in clean energy and infrastructure upgrades at Cap Sante Marina’s A-Dock. Substantially funded by state and federal grants, the move is one of several strategic investments that will help modernize the Port’s working waterfront and advance economic development and environmental goals.
At its July 16 meeting, the Port Commission authorized staff to procure long-lead construction materials needed to keep the A-Dock electrification project on schedule. This work is included in the Port’s adopted Capital Improvement Plan and will enable tenants, like Arrow Launch Service (Arrow), to advance their clean energy operations. Arrow has two new zero-emission vessels under construction that they expect to operate from A-Dock and will rely on the Port’s upgraded electrical infrastructure to charge between missions while continuing to move people between ships, tugs, and assigned anchorages.
“We are excited to deliver this shore power upgrade to A-Dock,” said Kevin Anderson, Planning, Projects, and Environmental Manager at the Port of Anacortes. “As one of the first local ports doing this type of project to support commercial tenants, it is rewarding seeing this project get launched. The upgrades will facilitate our tenants as they transition to newer and cleaner technology and will make meaningful improvements at Cap Sante Marina.”
Design for the clean energy and infrastructure upgrades is nearing 90 percent completion and permitting is complete. The Port expects to bid construction elements in late summer or early fall 2026, with the project anticipated to be substantially complete by spring 2027. By procuring long-lead materials in advance, the Port can better align construction with grant timelines, permit windows, and lower-activity periods at A-Dock, all while staying ahead of inflation.
Most of the $840,000 of funds authorized for material procurement are refundable from the Port’s federal and state grant partners, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Together, the agencies are enabling this essential infrastructure development with more than $1.7 million in grant dollars. The EPA funding for A-Dock is part of a larger Clean Ports grant package supporting zero-emission equipment, clean air planning, infrastructure investment, community engagement, and workforce opportunities across the Anacortes maritime sector.
Once complete, the A-Dock upgrades will help position the Port of Anacortes for the next generation of maritime operations. The project reflects the Port’s ongoing commitment to supporting tenants, strengthening essential infrastructure, attracting grant investment, long-term economic development and environmental stewardship.
