Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) leverages technology to gain efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), which includes the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, is one of the largest gateways in the US and handles several million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of containerized cargo and tens of millions of metric tons of cargo annually.
The ports play a crucial role in global transportation, serving as a major gateway for trade with Asia as well as domestic trade, including shipments between the continental US and Alaska and Hawaii. Across all industries and trading partners, the ports of Seattle and Tacoma are handling increased volumes, with TEU volumes growing over 10 percent year-over-year in June 2025.
Enhancing the Efficiency of Ports
The Port of Tacoma has recently implemented a private G5 network (Tacoma Blue Edge Network), or TBEN, to modernize port infrastructure and improve connectivity for all businesses operating there. According to the Port of Tacoma, the network supports improved freight movement, leading to supply chain optimization.
The port has also created a new website for cargo customers. It is designed to be mobile-friendly, with improved navigation and accessibility. Communication between port employees is also critical for efficiency, and the Port of Seattle is using apps and mobile technology to facilitate information sharing across all areas of the vast port operations.
While not fully automated, the Port of Seattle is adopting automation technologies to optimize and track container movement, including automated gate operations. In addition, the port is also leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to reduce delays and enhance accountability in both marine and air cargo operations. With AI-enabled computer vision, the port can identify and catalog objects in the air cargo area of Sea-Tac Airport.
Reducing the Environmental Impact of Marine Operations
The NWSA is actively working to improve sustainability in several ways. Tacoma is transitioning its vehicle fleet to electric, starting with administrative vehicles and aiming for heavy-duty replacements in the future. The port uses electric yard trucks to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of zero-emission technology for their tenants and industry partners.
“Since we started measuring our emissions portfolio in 2005, we have seen an 82% reduction in diesel particulate matter (DPMs) and a 10% reduction in GHG emissions,” said a spokesperson for NWSA. “The impact of some initiatives, like our zero-emission drayage truck deployment, will not be available until our next inventory scheduled for 2028.”
Both the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma are working to install shore power infrastructure at shipping terminals, allowing vessels to plug into electricity while docked, thereby significantly reducing air emissions from diesel engines. According to a NWSA spokesperson, “We have installed shore power at two of our international terminals, with planning underway for three more.”
The Port of Seattle is creating the Maritime Innovation Center, a planned facility within Fishermen’s Terminal designed to foster maritime innovation and sustainability.
“The Maritime Innovation Center will benefit the region and maritime community in several ways,” said a spokesperson for NWSA. “It will create new employment opportunities for youth and residents participating in startups, as well as enhance the region’s reputation as a center of excellence for growth in the blue economy.”
The Center is also intended to support business development and increase tax revenue. “Generating a larger, more diverse tax base to support public services and contribute to livability and health,” noted the NWSA spokesperson.
As part of a digitally connected global marketplace, the ports are also addressing issues like cybersecurity.
Securing Port Information and Thwarting Cyberattacks
Cybersecurity is an issue that requires vigilance by most industries and individuals. Most maritime ports are subject to a high volume of daily cyberattack attempts, encompassing various forms like ransomware, malware, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks. The increasing digitalization of port operations further expands the attack surface, highlighting the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures for the maritime sector.
The attempts are increasing. The Port of Los Angeles has reported battling 40 million cyberattacks per month as of 2022, doubling since the pandemic. In 2023, the number rose to approximately 63 million cyber-intrusion threats per month, according to a Domestic Preparedness Report.
While the Port of Los Angeles is larger than the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, an industry report shows that critical infrastructure globally faced over 420 million attacks between January 2023 and January 2024, representing 13 attacks per second, an increase of 30 percent from 2020 levels.
In addition to threats to national security, the impact on businesses if critical data is breached is significant and far-reaching. The NWSA is taking an active approach to securing the data of all stakeholders from cybersecurity attacks.
The Port of Seattle experienced a ransomware attack in August 2024 by the Rhysida group, a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) group that encrypts victims’ data and demands a ransom payment, typically in Bitcoin, to restore access and prevent public release of the stolen information.
Following that attack, the Port isolated systems, engaged experts, and implemented stronger security controls. The Port refused to pay the ransom and notified affected individuals, offering credit monitoring and identity theft protection. They also collaborate with various government and industry groups to improve their security posture.
All US ports, including those under the Northwest Seaport Alliance, are encouraged to utilize cybersecurity frameworks like NIST CSF 2.0 and NIST SP 800-82r3. Additionally, new US Coast Guard regulations, effective July 16, 2025, require ports and terminal operators to develop cybersecurity and incident response plans, conduct risk assessments, designate a cybersecurity officer, enforce security controls, and report significant cyber incidents. The Port of Tacoma also utilizes the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program for background checks and security clearances for personnel needing access to restricted areas.
NWSA is Prepared for Today, Planning for Tomorrow
Across every aspect of operations, the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma are prioritizing efficiency and security by implementing technology enhancements. These efforts allow the ports to expand their infrastructure based on market conditions, while providing quantifiable benefits to a range of stakeholders. New ideas like the Maritime Innovation Center seem to indicate that technology is not just a tool to meet today’s needs, but a strategic approach by NWSA to drive enhancements for years to come.
