A year of remarkable accomplishments is what led the Washington Public Ports Association to name the Port of Bremerton as the 2023 Port of the Year.

The annual award is given to a port that shows the values of a public port upheld and focuses on the work done to improve its local economy and quality of life.

WPPA executive director Eric ffitch said there were more than enough reasons to find Bremerton deserving of the award. “From investing in public infrastructure and facilities that grow jobs to collaborating with partners and being on the leading edge of electrification, the Port of Bremerton exemplifies the role Washington’s public ports fill for our communities and state,” he said.

The WPPA describes 2023 as a year of “substantial investment” for Bremerton throughout its facilities, including the marina, airport and industrial park.

Nearly a dozen major accomplishments are listed, ranging from impacts in Kitsap communities to federally recognized accomplishments. Those included a partnership with American Cruise Lines to nearly quadruple dockings in Bremerton, investing to reduce emissions and increase safety and capacity at Bremerton National Airport and solidified partnerships with the Suquamish Tribe among others.

Highlighted was the $15.7 million in federal and state funding secured to work on a new breakwater for the Port Orchard Marina, and work that would install electric charging support. The project was publicly recognized by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Gov. Jay Inslee.

“What they’ve accomplished is beyond impressive and has a real positive impact on our industry, the people they serve and our shared environment,” ffitch said.

The port released a statement saying, “The past year has come with many opportunities and achievements for us: multiple million-dollar-plus grants for work at both Port Orchard Marina and Bremerton National Airport, creation of community initiatives, taking steps to be sustainable, and so much more.”