News Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has officially started construction on America’s first Arctic deepwater port in Nome, Alaska, after nearly two decades of planning. The awarded contract for Phase 1A, involving a $399.4 million investment, will extend the existing west causeway and add crucial dock space to accommodate larger vessels. This vital infrastructure development aims to improve access for military and civilian maritime operations in the Arctic region, with significant expansions planned for the future.
Nome, Alaska – The construction of America’s first Arctic deepwater port officially commenced after nearly two decades of planning. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a construction contract for Phase 1A of the project to Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., based in Vancouver, Washington, with expected completion by September 5, 2029.
The awarded contract is a firm-fixed-price agreement totaling $399.4 million. This phase of the project is a scaled-down version of the initial Phase 1 proposal, which was deemed too expansive and faced cancellation due to cost overruns. Initially, Phase 1 involved an extensive extension of the existing west causeway by 3,400 feet. However, the revised Phase 1A will only extend the causeway by 1,200 feet and add an additional 600 feet of dock space.
Phase 1B is set to follow, which will add an additional 1,870 feet to the causeway. This expansion is crucial in creating a deep-water basin with a depth of minus 40 feet. The current port is limited in capability, being able to accommodate vessels with a draft of only 18 feet. As a result, critical Coast Guard icebreakers, such as the Healy and Storis, which have drafts of 29 feet and 34 feet respectively, are unable to access the port, along with future Coast Guard vessels that have drafts ranging from 23 feet to 36 feet.
The expansion of the Port of Nome aims to improve access for larger vessels, which is essential for enhancing public safety and military presence in the Arctic region. This project is a vital aspect of Alaska’s infrastructure development and highlights the need to support both military and civilian maritime operations in the area.
Subsequent phases of the port expansion are planned for the coming years, with Phase 2 anticipated to be bid out by May 2026, followed by Phase 1B in 2028 and the final phase in 2030. Future work will include extensive dredging, further extending the causeway, and the addition of a second causeway and breakwater to bolster the port’s capabilities.
Currently, Nome remains disconnected from Alaska’s main road system, a factor that presents operational challenges for the port. This construction is particularly timely, given that shipping activity in the Bering Strait has increased significantly, from 340 vessels in 2016 to 665 vessels last year. Such an uptick emphasizes the importance of developing robust infrastructure to accommodate rising Arctic shipping activities.
The project took root during a 2008 Army Corps conference on U.S. deep-water ports, marking the beginning of nearly two decades of planning and development efforts. With the completion of the first phase scheduled for 2029, Alaska is poised to enhance its capabilities in the Arctic, responding to both civilian and military maritime needs.
The construction of the deepwater port in Nome represents a strategic advancement not only for the region but also for the national security framework concerning Arctic operations, ensuring America can meet the challenges of an evolving maritime landscape.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
