Nome, Alaska, August 25, 2025
News Summary
Construction has officially commenced on America’s first Arctic deepwater port in Nome, Alaska. This long-awaited project aims to enhance safe access for larger vessels and improve military operational capabilities in the region. The initial phase, which will extend the existing causeway and add dock space, is projected to be completed by 2029. Despite previous delays and funding challenges, momentum has finally been gained for this critical infrastructure improvement, which is vital given the surge in maritime traffic in the Bering Strait.
Nome, Alaska – Construction is officially beginning on America’s first Arctic deepwater port, a project that has been nearly two decades in the making. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a significant construction contract for Phase 1A to Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., based in Vancouver, Washington. The completion date for this initial phase is projected for September 5, 2029.
The long-awaited deepwater port project gained momentum following a 2008 Army Corps conference that focused on U.S. deep-water port development. The awarded contract, worth $399.4 million, comes after previous attempts to get the project underway were derailed due to cost overruns, where bids exceeded allocated funds.
Phase 1A represents a scaled-down version of the initial proposal. Rather than extending the existing west causeway by 3,400 feet as initially planned, the revised plan will extend it by 1,200 feet and include an additional 600 feet of dock space. The next phase, Phase 1B, is expected to add another 1,870 feet to the causeway.
Upon completion, the port will feature a deep-water basin that reaches depths of minus 40 feet. Currently, the port is limited to vessels with a maximum draft of 18 feet, which restricts access to critical Coast Guard icebreakers. Notably, vessels like the Healy (draft of 29 feet) and Storis (draft of 34 feet) cannot currently access the port. Future Coast Guard vessels, such as the Polar Security Cutter and Arctic Security Cutter, will also struggle with access due to their drafts of 36 feet and 23 feet, respectively.
The expansion of the Port of Nome is essential for enhancing public safety and sustaining military operations in the Arctic region. The project aims to accommodate larger vessels and improve infrastructure for both military and civilian maritime activities. Subsequent phases, including Phase 2, Phase 1B, and Phase 3, will involve further dredging, extending the causeway, and adding additional structures like a breakwater by 2030. The U.S. Army Corps anticipates soliciting bids for Phase 2 by May 2026, followed by Phase 1B in 2028 and the final phase in 2030.
One of the challenges facing the project is Nome’s lack of connection to Alaska’s road system, which complicates port operations. However, the urgency for renovations is underscored by a notable increase in maritime traffic in the Bering Strait, which has surged from 340 vessels in 2016 to 665 last year amidst rising Arctic shipping activity.
The construction of the Arctic deepwater port in Nome underscores a pivotal move toward bolstering capabilities in the region, ensuring that both military and civilian vessels can operate more effectively in the rapidly changing Arctic environment.
Key Features of the Project
| Phase | Description | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1A | Extends the existing west causeway by 1,200 feet and adds 600 feet of dock space. | September 5, 2029 |
| Phase 1B | Adds an additional 1,870 feet to the causeway. | To be determined; bids anticipated in 2028. |
| Phase 2 | Further dredging and expansion of port facilities. | Bids expected by May 2026. |
| Phase 3 | Addition of a second causeway and breakwater. | To be determined; anticipated completion by 2030. |
FAQ
What is the purpose of the new Arctic deepwater port in Nome?
The port is designed to enhance access for larger vessels, improving public safety and military operations in the Arctic region.
When is the expected completion date for Phase 1A?
Phase 1A is expected to be completed by September 5, 2029.
What are the current limitations of the Port of Nome?
Currently, the port can only accommodate vessels with a maximum draft of 18 feet, limiting access for larger Coast Guard icebreakers.
How has maritime traffic changed in the Bering Strait recently?
The number of vessels in the Bering Strait has increased substantially, rising from 340 in 2016 to 665 last year.
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
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