Seattle Port Approves Solar Project

By Mark Edward Nero

On Sept. 13, the five-person Port of Seattle Commission approved funding for design of the port’s first-ever solar demonstration project, a task at Fishermen’s Terminal that’s included as part of the replacement of net-shed roofs that house fishing nets and gear for the North Pacific Fishing Fleet.

The demonstration project is being designed to help the port gain in-house knowledge about the benefits and challenges of solar projects, including installation, operation and maintenance, according to the port.

Planners estimate that the net-shed solar panels could produce 11,000 kW of electricity per year, reducing carbon emissions by 279 pounds in the first year. The project could be in place by the end of 2017, according to the port.

“As we explore innovative policies to guide the reduction of our carbon footprint, I am encouraged that this demonstration project could lead the way for additional solar project opportunities at the port in the future,” Port Commissioner Fred Felleman said.

Solar power has increasingly piqued the interest of Port Commission which, earlier this year, convened an Energy and Sustainability Committee to guide the port’s policies related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy efficiency.

New Date, Location for Boatbuilding Competition

Pacific Maritime Magazine’s yearly Quick and Dirty Boatbuilding Competition is moving from the Seattle Maritime Festival to the annual Fishermen’s Fall Festival.

The 2013 contest is scheduled to be held Sept. 7 at Seattle’s Fishermen’s Terminal, which has easier access to the water than the competition’s previous location, as well as a better racecourse and more substantial viewing for larger crowds.

The annual Pacific Maritime Magazine Quick and Dirty Boatbuilding Competition pits teams against one another as they work for six hours to build boats using $100 worth of materials. The builders then enthusiastically paddle their craft around a designated racecourse. Awards are given for the fastest boat – the Marty Johnson memorial award – and the "dirtiest" boat.

Teams that have competed in the past have included shipyards, naval architects, commercial vessel operators and even professional publishers.

The annual Fishermen’s Fall Festival celebrates the return of the North Pacific fishing fleet to the terminal while raising money for the Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial Foundation. The festival provides families with a fun and educational outing on the waterfront and an opportunity to learn more about wild seafood and the harvesters and vessels that make it possible.

More about the competition, including rule and an entry form, can be found at http://philipspublishing.com/images/qdbb_RulesAndEntryform.pdf.