News Summary
Construction has commenced on the first Arctic deepwater port in Nome, Alaska. This project, led by Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., aims to enhance military operations and public safety in the region. After facing numerous delays, the initial phase will extend the existing causeway and create facilities for larger vessels, addressing current limitations. The modernized port is crucial for accommodating future Coast Guard vessels and supporting the increasing maritime traffic in the Arctic region. Subsequent phases plan further expansion to bolster logistical operations by 2030.
Nome, Alaska – Construction has officially begun on America’s first Arctic deepwater port in Nome, Alaska, following nearly two decades of planning and development. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a construction contract worth $399.4 million for Phase 1A of the project to Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., a company based in Vancouver, Washington. The completion date for this initial phase is anticipated to be September 5, 2029.
The need for an Arctic deepwater port gained traction during a 2008 Army Corps conference that focused on the requirement for U.S. deep-water ports. The port is vital for enhancing public safety and military operations in the Arctic region. Previous efforts to initiate the project encountered challenges, including a previous solicitation that was canceled due to cost overruns after bids exceeded the allocated budget.
Revised plans for the construction of the port resulted in a scaled-down Phase 1A, which involves extending the existing west causeway by 1,200 feet and adding 600 feet of dock space. This revised plan is a fraction of the original proposal, which sought to extend the west causeway by 3,400 feet. Following the successful completion of Phase 1A, a subsequent Phase 1B will enhance the causeway by an additional 1,870 feet.
The proposed port will create a deep-water basin capable of accommodating vessels with a draft of up to 40 feet, addressing a significant limitation of the current port, which can only facilitate vessels with a draft of 18 feet. This limitation restricts the port from providing access to critical Coast Guard icebreakers, including the Healy with a 29-foot draft and the Storis with a 34-foot draft. The modernization of the port is crucial as future Coast Guard vessels, such as the Polar Security Cutter and Arctic Security Cutter, are designed with drafts of 36 feet and 23 feet, respectively.
Efforts to expand the Port of Nome are necessary to improve access for larger vessels and increase the military presence in the Arctic environment. This infrastructure development will better support both military and civilian maritime activities in the area. Additionally, the port’s upgrades form part of a broader strategic initiative as the waters of the Bering Strait have seen a significant increase in vessel traffic, moving from 340 vessels in 2016 to 665 last year due to expanded shipping activities in the Arctic.
Future stages of the project include subsequent phases for expansion, comprising Phase 2, Phase 1B, and Phase 3. These phases will focus on further dredging, causeway extensions, and the construction of a second causeway and breakwater, all proposed for completion by 2030. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to solicit bids for Phase 2 by May 2026, with Phase 1B openings expected in 2028 and the final phase scheduled for 2030.
Currently, Nome is not connected to Alaska’s broader road system, which complicates port operations and limits accessibility. The forthcoming renovations of the port aim to enhance logistical operations, ensuring that Nome can support both military and civilian maritime requirements as the region faces increasing shipping demands.
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Additional Resources
- High North News: US Awards Construction Contract for First Phase Expanding Nome Arctic Deepwater Port
- Wikipedia: Nome, Alaska
- ENR: Kiewit Wins $400M Contract for Alaska Port Upgrade
- Google Search: Nome Arctic deepwater port
- Akbiz Magazine: $400M Contract for Kiewit to Build Phase 1A of Port of Nome Modification
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Deepwater Ports
- Anchorage Daily News: $663M Arctic Port Delayed Frustrating Nome Officials and Alaska Congressional Delegation
- Google News: Nome Arctic port expansion
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