Washington state has enacted new legislation that restricts the use of public funds for fully automated container handling equipment at major ports.

The law, signed in March by Governor Bob Ferguson in March, amends existing rules governing port investment and applies to port authorities across the state.

The measure is intended to protect maritime employment by ensuring that public spending linked to port decarbonisation does not support the replacement of human labour with automated systems.

To achieve this, the legislation removes a sunset clause that would have allowed the restriction to lapse on 31 December 2031, making the ban permanent.

Under the law, equipment is classified as fully automated if it is operated or supervised remotely, regardless of whether human intervention is technically possible.

At the same time, port districts remain permitted to use public funds for zero-emission and near-zero-emission equipment, provided such machinery continues to be directly operated by personnel.

According to Freight Waves, the restriction applies to both port districts and port development authorities in Washington, including the ports of Seattle and Tacoma.

These facilities are ranked ninth and tenth among US gateways. The legislation, therefore, affects two of the state’s most prominent container hubs.

Labour issues linked to automation have featured prominently in recent port negotiations.

In 2024, automation became a central issue during contract talks on the US East and Gulf Coasts, when a three-day strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association halted container handling at numerous ports. A subsequent six-year agreement included job protections while allowing certain types of semi-automated equipment.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union represents approximately 42,000 members across West Coast ports, including those in Washington. The union has long opposed full automation at container terminals.

Washington has taken a similar position previously. In 2021, port workers welcomed legislation signed by Governor Jay Inslee that barred port authorities from using public funds to purchase fully automated marine container cargo handling equipment, reinforcing long-standing concerns raised by labour groups.