News Summary
Construction has officially commenced on America’s first Arctic deepwater port in Nome, Alaska, following two decades of planning. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $399.4 million contract for the initial phase, which aims to improve port accessibility for larger vessels. This project is crucial for enhancing public safety and military presence in the Arctic as vessel traffic has significantly increased. The phased development includes extending causeways and dredging, with future phases set to meet rising demands in Arctic shipping.
Nome, Alaska — Construction is officially beginning on America’s first Arctic deepwater port in Nome, a project that has been in the planning stages for almost two decades. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $399.4 million firm-fixed-price contract to Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., based in Vancouver, Washington, for the initial phase of construction, known as Phase 1A. This phase is expected to be completed by September 5, 2029.
Phase 1A includes extending the existing west causeway by 1,200 feet and adding an additional 600 feet of dock space, resulting in a revised plan that is less expansive than the original proposal. Previously, the scope of Phase 1 included an extension of 3,400 feet, which was ultimately considered too costly after bids exceeded the available funds during the initial solicitation, leading to its cancellation. Following these developments, the U.S. Army Corps opted for a scaled-down approach with Phase 1A.
The port’s future development, including subsequent phases, aims to create a deep-water basin with a depth of minus 40 feet. Currently, the port is only accessible to vessels that have a draft of 18 feet, which severely limits the size of ships that can dock there. Notably, critical Coast Guard icebreakers such as the Healy and Storis, which have drafts of 29 feet and 34 feet respectively, are currently unable to enter the port. Future vessels designed for Arctic operations, including the Polar Security Cutter and Arctic Security Cutter, will also face challenges as they are designed with drafts of 36 feet and 23 feet, highlighting the urgent need for port expansion.
The construction of the Arctic deepwater port in Nome is part of a broader effort to improve access for larger vessels, which is essential for enhancing public safety and bolstering military presence in the Arctic region. The port’s expansion is vital given Alaska’s increasing need for infrastructure improvements, especially for accommodating both military and civilian vessels in the area. As it stands, Nome is not connected to Alaska’s road system, complicating operation logistics.
Future phases of development will involve further dredging, construction of an additional 1,870 feet of causeway in Phase 1B, and the creation of a second causeway and breakwater by the year 2030. The U.S. Army Corps anticipates seeking bids for Phase 2 in May 2026, followed by bids for Phase 1B in 2028 and the final phase in 2030. These subsequent phases will build upon the groundwork being set in Phase 1A to ensure the port can meet increasing demands.
The urgency for these developments is underscored by a substantial rise in vessel traffic in the Bering Strait, which jumped from 340 vessels in 2016 to 665 last year, reflecting a significant increase in Arctic shipping activities. As such, the port’s renovations not only aim to accommodate more shipping but also address the rising strategic importance of Arctic waterways.
Overall, the construction of the Arctic deepwater port represents a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of the Port of Nome, moving forward with plans that aim to meet the logistical demands of an evolving maritime landscape in the Arctic.
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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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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
