It’s always nice to see other folks recognizing the innovative concepts that Portland startups are pursuing. Especially when that recognition comes along with some nondilutive capital. Which is the case today. Portland startup Photon Marine has helped the Port of Friday Harbor, Washington, to secure $7 million in grant funding.
The Port of Friday Harbor has been awarded $7 million as part of the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Port Electrification Grant Program. This funding will enable the Port to launch an expansive program of carbon reduction projects, further establishing it as a leader in sustainable maritime practices within the Salish Sea. The grant is part of a broader $26.5 million initiative across 11 Washington ports, collectively aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 140,000 metric tons over the next decade.
The awarded grant will support the Port of Friday Harbor in its ambitious efforts to electrify its operations, including the installation of advanced charging infrastructure for cruise ships and smaller vessels, a solar canopy and microgrid, and the introduction of several electric workboats. In partnership with Photon Marine, a leader in electric propulsion technology, the Port will replace internal combustion engine vessels with electric alternatives, thereby reducing emissions and enhancing the region’s environmental health.
“Photon Marine is proud to partner with the Port of Friday Harbor on this transformative project,” said Marcelino J. Alvarez, CEO and co-founder of Photon Marine. “Our mission to decarbonize marine propulsion is advancing with this collaboration, marking a key step toward cleaner, quieter, and more efficient vessel operations in the Pacific Northwest. This partnership also enables us to establish the first U.S. node in our electric vessel supercharger corridor within the Salish Sea. We are thrilled to be contributing to this program that benefits the environment, the economy, and the maritime ecosystem.”
For more information on the funding, read the Port of Friday Harbor press release. For more information on the company, visit Photon Marine.
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