News Summary
Construction has commenced on the United States’ first Arctic deepwater port in Nome, Alaska. This significant infrastructure project aims to enhance access and safety for military and civilian vessels in the increasingly vital Arctic region, marking a crucial milestone in its nearly 20-year planning journey. Funded by a $399.4 million contract, the project will extend the existing causeway and improve harbor capacity, enabling larger vessels to operate effectively. The port’s expansion is seen as essential for national security and regional development as Arctic shipping routes become more prevalent.
Construction of America’s First Arctic Deepwater Port Begins in Nome, Alaska
In Nome, Alaska, construction has officially started on what will be the United States’ first Arctic deepwater port. This major infrastructure project aims to improve access and safety for military and civilian vessels operating in the Arctic, a region increasingly significant due to rising shipping activity and strategic importance. The port’s development is a key milestone after nearly 20 years of planning and preparation.
Project Overview and Funding
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a construction contract for Phase 1A of the port in a firm-fixed-price agreement valued at approximately $399.4 million. The contractor selected for this phase is Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., based in Vancouver, Washington. The project is scheduled for completion by September 5, 2029.
The port project first gained significant momentum during a 2008 Army Corps conference focused on deep-water port development in the United States. Despite earlier enthusiasm, initial efforts encountered delays and budget challenges. The original plan, which included extending the existing west causeway by 3,400 feet, was deemed too expansive and was subsequently scaled back to a more manageable scope in the current Phase 1A. The revised plan extends the causeway by 1,200 feet and adds 600 feet of dock space, aiming to improve vessel access without exceeding budget constraints.
Development Details and Future Phases
The project’s long-term goal is to create a deep-water basin at minus 40 feet depth, significantly enhancing the harbor’s capacity. Currently, Nome’s port can only accommodate vessels with a draft of about 18 feet, which restricts the access of larger ships, particularly those vital for Arctic operations.
At present, important Coast Guard icebreakers such as the Healy (draft of 29 feet) and the Storis (draft of 34 feet) cannot access the port. Future Coast Guard vessels, including the Polar Security Cutter and Arctic Security Cutter, are designed with drafts of 36 and 23 feet, respectively. Therefore, the port expansion is vital to enabling these larger vessels to operate effectively in Arctic conditions.
Following Phase 1A, additional project phases will focus on further expansion. Phase 1B will extend the causeway by an additional 1,870 feet, further enhancing port capacity. Later phases, scheduled to be completed by 2030, will include dredging to deepen the basin, constructing a second causeway, and building a breakwater to protect the harbor from harsh Arctic weather.
Operational and Strategic Significance
Enhancing Nome’s port is considered critical for Alaska’s infrastructure and national security. As Arctic shipping routes become more active, the number of vessels traveling through the Bering Strait has almost doubled from 340 in 2016 to over 665 last year. The improved port facilities will support increased maritime traffic, bolster regional safety, and enable military readiness in the Arctic region.
Since Nome is not connected to Alaska’s road network, the port’s expansion will also facilitate better transportation and logistics for cargo and personnel. The development aligns with broader efforts to establish Arctic capabilities for the U.S. military and support civilian industries such as shipping, resource exploration, and environmental monitoring.
Timeline and Future Developments
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers anticipates soliciting bids for Phase 2 of the port expansion by May 2026. Subsequent phases—Phase 1B and additional construction efforts—are planned for 2028 and 2030, respectively. These developments aim to turn Nome into a strategically vital hub for Arctic transit and operations in the decades to come.
Construction on Nome’s Arctic deepwater port marks a significant step towards strengthening U.S. capabilities in the northern Arctic, with the project set to support both military preparedness and civilian economic activities while adapting to the increasing importance of the region.
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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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