Nome, Alaska, August 25, 2025
News Summary
Construction has officially commenced on America’s first Arctic deepwater port in Nome, a nearly two-decade project. Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. has secured a $399.4 million contract to execute Phase 1A, which includes extending the causeway and adding dock space. The project aims to enhance access for larger vessels, boost public safety, and strengthen military logistics in the Arctic. Despite current challenges including isolation from Alaska’s road system, the port’s expansion is timely given the significant increase in shipping traffic in the region.
Nome, Alaska – Construction has officially commenced on America’s first Arctic deepwater port in Nome, a project nearly two decades in the making. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $399.4 million construction contract to Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., based in Vancouver, Washington, to carry out Phase 1A of the initiative. The anticipated completion date for this phase is September 5, 2029.
The decision to establish the deepwater port originated during a 2008 Army Corps conference dedicated to addressing the need for U.S. deep-water ports. Following this initiative, planning for the Nome port expanded, but previous attempts encountered challenges, including cost overruns that led to the cancellation of earlier design proposals. The current plan for Phase 1A has been revised to a more manageable scope compared to the original Phase 1, which included a significant extension to the existing west causeway.
Phase 1A will involve extending the causeway by 1,200 feet and adding an additional 600 feet of dock space, a substantial reduction from the initial plans. The subsequent Phase 1B will extend the causeway further by an additional 1,870 feet. This phased approach will culminate in the creation of a deep-water basin with a depth of minus 40 feet, which is necessary to accommodate larger vessels that currently cannot enter the port.
As it stands, the Port of Nome has limitations, only allowing vessels with a draft of up to 18 feet. This restriction has significant implications for accessing crucial Coast Guard icebreakers like the Healy and Storis, which have drafts of 29 and 34 feet, respectively. Upcoming Coast Guard vessels, such as the Polar Security Cutter and Arctic Security Cutter, designed for increased operational capabilities, will also require greater draft allowances of 36 and 23 feet.
The expansion of the port is not only aimed at improving access for larger maritime vessels but also enhancing public safety and bolstering military presence in the strategically important Arctic region. In ensuring that Nome’s port can support both military and civilian vessels, Alaska’s infrastructure stands to gain significantly, serving as a vital node in Arctic shipping operations.
In addition to the immediate changes planned under Phase 1, subsequent phases, including Phase 2, Phase 1B, and Phase 3, aim to enhance the port’s functionality even further through dredging, extending the causeway, and constructing additional breakwater structures by 2030. Bids for Phase 2 are anticipated by May 2026, followed by Phase 1B in 2028, while the final phase is expected to conclude in 2030.
Despite its importance, the port currently remains isolated from Alaska’s road system, presenting unique operational challenges. Yet, as shipping traffic in the Bering Strait has markedly increased from 340 vessels in 2016 to 665 in the last year, the need for a robust deepwater port in Nome has become increasingly imperative.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the deepwater port in Nome?
The deepwater port is designed to facilitate access for larger vessels, enhance public safety, and bolster military presence in the Arctic region.
Who is constructing the port?
Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. has been awarded the contract for the construction of the port.
When is the expected completion date for Phase 1A?
Phase 1A is expected to be completed by September 5, 2029.
What are the limitations of the current Port of Nome?
The current port can only accommodate vessels with a draft of up to 18 feet, which limits access for larger ships.
What phases will follow Phase 1A?
Subsequent phases include Phase 1B, Phase 2, and Phase 3, which will further enhance the port’s capacity and capability.
Key Features of the Nome Deepwater Port Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Contractor | Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. |
| Contract Value | $399.4 million |
| Expected Completion Date for Phase 1A | September 5, 2029 |
| Current Port Draft Capacity | 18 feet |
| Deep-water Basin Depth after Completion | -40 feet |
| Increase in Shipping Traffic (2016-2022) | 340 to 665 vessels |
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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