Seattle-based Stevedoring Services of America will use approximately 800,000 gallons of biodiesel at its operations at Terminals 18 and 25.

It also plans to increase the biodiesel content of fuel used for dockside loading and container-moving equipment, going from a 2 percent blend to a 20 percent blend within three months. The port expects to use 20,000 gallons of 20 percent blend annually after converting all of its service vehicles.

The deal between SSA Marine and the port is the largest venture of its kind, Cantwell's office said. It will also represent the highest concentration of biofuel used in one place in the United States, her office said in a news release.

The fuel will be supplied by Seattle BioDiesel, which operates a 5 million gallon-per-year refinery on the Duwamish River. Prices are still being negotiated.

"This agreement shows that the Northwest continues to lead the way on reducing our nation's overdependence on fossil fuels," Cantwell said in the release. "The leadership shown by the Port and SSA Marine should serve as a model for all of America's ports. ... We can innovate the way to energy independence."

In October 2004, Cantwell convened the BioFuels Business Collaborative - a group of Washington businesses, farmers, investors and fuel consumers - to help create a state biofuels industry. She also lobbied for legislation to accelerate the development of a viable, national biofuels industry. It became law in August as part of the energy bill, and includes a $550 million "Advanced Biofuel Technologies Program," to develop biofuels from farm products.