News Summary
Construction for America’s first Arctic deepwater port has commenced in Nome, Alaska, after nearly two decades of planning. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a contract to Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. for this significant project, with Phase 1A scheduled for completion by September 2029. The expansion aims to enhance accessibility for large vessels, improve public safety, and bolster military presence in the Arctic, addressing the increasing maritime traffic in recent years.
Nome, Alaska – Construction Begins on First Arctic Deepwater Port
Construction for America’s first Arctic deepwater port has officially begun in Nome, Alaska, marking a significant milestone after nearly two decades of planning. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently awarded a construction contract to Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., based in Vancouver, Washington, to initiate the project. The initial phase of this port, known as Phase 1A, is scheduled for completion by September 5, 2029.
The contract, valued at $399.4 million, is a firm-fixed-price agreement. The port’s construction has faced challenges over the years, including a previous solicitation that was canceled due to cost overruns where bids exceeded the budgeted funds. As a result, the original Phase 1 plan was revised into a scaled-down Phase 1A, which now includes extending the existing west causeway by 1,200 feet and adding 600 feet of additional dock space, instead of the original proposed 3,400 feet.
Future Phases and Project Scope
Following Phase 1A, a subsequent Phase 1B will add another 1,870 feet to the causeway, further developing the port’s capabilities. The overall project aims to create a deep-water basin with a depth of minus 40 feet, significantly expanding the port’s capacity. Currently, the port can only accommodate vessels with a draft of 18 feet, limiting accessibility for larger, critical Coast Guard icebreakers.
The inability of vessels like the Coast Guard icebreakers Healy and Storis, which require drafts of 29 feet and 34 feet respectively, highlights the urgent need for this expansion. New Coast Guard vessels planned for the Arctic, including the Polar Security Cutter and Arctic Security Cutter, would be unable to berth in Nome as they are designed with drafts of 36 feet and 23 feet.
Reasons Behind the Expansion
The Port of Nome expansion is not just about improving access for larger vessels; it is also aimed at enhancing public safety and increasing military presence in the Arctic region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in vessel traffic in the Bering Strait, with the number of ships increasing from 340 in 2016 to 665 last year. This uptick underscores the importance of modern infrastructure to support both military and civilian maritime activities.
Infrastructure Challenges
Nome currently faces significant logistical challenges as it is not connected to Alaska’s road system. This complicates operations at the port and emphasizes the need for improved access. The anticipated upgrades are vital not only for local infrastructure but also for the broader economic and strategic considerations associated with Arctic shipping.
Looking Ahead
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has laid out a timeline for future phases of construction. Bids for Phase 2 are anticipated by May 2026, followed by Phase 1B in 2028, and the final phase by 2030. These subsequent phases will continue to focus on further dredging, extending the causeway, and the addition of a second causeway and breakwater, which will ultimately transform the Port of Nome into a robust Arctic maritime hub.
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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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LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the LA Auto Show, Hollywood Film Awards, and the Los Angeles Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology that power the local economy such as Warner Bros. and SpaceX. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
