News Summary
The groundbreaking of America’s first deepwater port in Nome, Alaska, has officially commenced, reflecting nearly two decades of planning. This pivotal project, awarded to Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., aims to enhance maritime access, support military capabilities, and accommodate the increasing Arctic shipping activities. With a substantial construction contract of $399.4 million, phase 1A will extend the existing causeway and improve the port infrastructure, allowing it to handle larger vessels and bolstering public safety and national security in the region.
Construction Begins for America’s First Arctic Deepwater Port in Nome, Alaska
Nome, Alaska — The long-anticipated construction of America’s first deepwater port in the Arctic has officially started, marking a significant milestone after nearly two decades of planning and development. The project aims to enhance maritime access, bolster military and civilian capabilities, and support the region’s growing Arctic shipping activities.
Major developmental milestones and project details
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a construction contract for Phase 1A of the port development to Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., a company based in Vancouver, Washington. The contract, valued at approximately $399.4 million, is a firm-fixed-price agreement designed to fund the initial phase of the project. The completion of this phase is expected by September 5, 2029.
Historical context and project evolution
The concept of a deepwater Arctic port in Nome gained momentum after a 2008 conference organized by the Army Corps, which focused on U.S. ports capable of handling larger vessels in Arctic waters. Originally, the project involved extensive expansions, including extending the current west causeway by 3,400 feet. However, the project’s scope was scaled down after initial bids for the full plan exceeded budget limits, prompting revisions to a more manageable Phase 1A.
Scope of Phase 1A and subsequent phases
Under the revised plan, Phase 1A will involve extending the existing causeway by 1,200 feet and creating an additional 600 feet of dock space. This preparation set the stage for future expansions, including Phase 1B, which will add an extra 1,870 feet to the causeway, and later phases that aim to further develop the port’s infrastructure.
Capabilities and infrastructure improvements
The planned deep-water basin at Nome will reach a depth of -40 feet, allowing it to accommodate larger vessels that are currently barred from port access. Presently, the port can only handle vessels with a maximum draft of 18 feet. This limitation restricts access to critical Coast Guard icebreakers, such as the Healy (29 feet draft) and Storis (34 feet draft), which cannot currently reach Nome’s port. Moreover, upcoming Coast Guard vessels, including the Polar Security Cutter and Arctic Security Cutter, are designed with drafts of 36 feet and 23 feet, respectively, emphasizing the need for infrastructure expansion.
Strategic importance of the port expansion
The enhanced port infrastructure aims to provide improved access for larger vessels, which is vital for public safety and military presence in the Arctic region. As Arctic shipping activities increase—evidenced by vessel counts rising from 340 in 2016 to 665 last year—the port’s capabilities are deemed crucial for supporting both civilian commerce and national security interests.
Future phases and project timelines
Further stages of the port’s development, including Phase 2 with additional dredging, extending the causeway, and constructing a second causeway and breakwater, are scheduled to follow. The U.S. Army Corps projects Phase 2 bids will be solicited by May 2026. The subsequent phases, namely Phase 1B in 2028 and the full project completion by 2030, will expand the port’s capacity and infrastructure to meet growing demand.
Operational challenges and regional significance
Currently, Nome is isolated from Alaska’s road network, which complicates port logistics and operations. The port’s expansion is especially significant given the regional context, as Arctic shipping routes become increasingly active with climate change opening new navigable passages. The growth of vessel traffic in the Bering Strait underscores the importance of a deepwater port that can support larger ships and enhance operational flexibility in the region.
As development continues, the Arctic port in Nome is poised to become a critical asset for both commercial shipping and U.S. military logistics, ensuring the region’s strategic security and economic vitality in the years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake 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 North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
