Green shipping corridors: An overview of Pacific Northwest region and key ports

The Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green Shipping Corridor (GSC) represents a crucial step toward decarbonizing maritime transportation along one of the world's most active cruise routes. This study conducts a comprehensive assessment of sustainability efforts at four key ports - Vancouver, Seattle, Prince Rupert, and Juneau - analyzing their emission reduction strategies, shore power adoption, alternative fuel initiatives, and regional collaboration efforts. A mixed-methods approach is employed, integrating qualitative analysis of port sustainability reports, policies, and industry frameworks with quantitative data on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and shore power utilization. The findings indicate that Vancouver and Seattle ports lead in shore power deployment and policy alignment, whereas Prince Rupert and Juneau ports face infrastructural and regulatory challenges that hinder full decarbonization. While GSCs provide valuable case studies, the Pacific Northwest GSC requires enhanced cross-border coordination, financial incentives, and infrastructure expansion to accelerate the transition to low-carbon maritime operations. This research identifies key technological, economic, and policy barriers while providing strategic recommendations to stakeholders, including policymakers, port authorities, and industry leaders. The study highlights the potential for alternative fuels, the role of shore power, and the necessity for harmonized regulatory frameworks to achieve a viable green corridor. Ultimately, this paper contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable maritime transportation, emphasizing the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to achieve net-zero emissions goals in the shipping industry.