PORT OF ALASKA MODERNIZATION PROGRAM

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The Port of Alaska Modernization Program (PAMP) was created in 2014 to provide four new terminals via a phased program comprised of multiple projects.

Safeguarding Alaska’s most critical port for future generations

Port of Alaska is a critical transportation hub for the state of Alaska. Interior Alaskan communities, military facilities, mining operations and rural Native Alaskan villages rely on the Port for consistent access to critical supplies. Food, consumer goods, building materials and cars all pass through the Port. Replacing existing Port facilities is key to ensuring the continued vitality of Alaska and ensures food security for Alaskans.

Transportation hub that handles 75% of Alaska’s inbound cargo.

Drives $14 billion in statewide economic activity annually.

Supplies 90% of Alaskans with life-sustaining necessities.

The foundations of the four terminals that make up Port of Alaska have corroded and begun to split apart. Steel sleeves have been installed to help maintain their functionality, but they have a limited benefit. The original terminals were constructed between the late 1950s and 1970s. Today, engineers estimate that they will begin applying restrictions to Port operations by 2025 – sooner if there is a large earthquake.

The goal of the Port of Alaska Modernization Program is to replace Anchorage’s aging docks and allow the Port to continue its three critical functions:

Serve as Alaska’s key
inbound cargo gateway.

Operate critical national defense infrastructure.

Support the movement of consumer goods,
industrial development,
and disaster recovery.

Safe, reliable and cost-effective Port operations

The program was created in 2014 to replace the four aging terminals and stabilize the failing North Extension, a project partially completed as a part the Port Intermodal Expansion Program in 2009. The program, comprised of multiple projects, will address the deteriorating conditions of the Port’s marine facilities, including corrosion and loss of load-bearing capacity.

Once complete, the program will ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective Port operations. The first of these terminals, the Petroleum and Cement Terminal (PCT), was completed in the fall of 2022.

Each of the new terminals will be replaced with a similar, more modern terminal designed to last 75 years. They will also accommodate new and larger vessels and adhere to the latest seismic design standards. Because Port of Alaska is critical to transportation, it must remain operational during construction, requiring a carefully planned and phased approach.

Program benefits

The new facilities will have many benefits, including:

Improved operational safety and efficiency.

Accommodations for modern shipping operations.

Improved resiliency to survive extreme seismic events and sustain ongoing cargo operations.

Food security for Alaskans.

Fuel and cement security for Alaskans.

Program funding

PAMP will be funded through a combination of federal and state grants, Port of Alaska funds and a tariff surcharge. At a cost of $1.9 billion, the program is not yet fully funded. Projects cannot begin until funding requirements are met, and delays will likely translate to increased costs.

Projects overview

PAMP is comprised of eight projects. Hover over each project to learn more. Note that the depiction of Cargo Terminal 2 includes a potential design modification.

Step 1 - South Floating Dock

Step 1 - Petroleum and Cement Terminal (PCT)

Step 4 - Petroleum Terminal

Step 2 - Administration Building

Step 4 - Demolish Remaining Cargo Terminal

Step 2 - North Extension Stabilization - Step 1 (NES1)

Step 4 - North Extension Stabilization - Step 2 (NES2)

• Construction completed in 2022.
• Replaced the severely corroded Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants Terminal 2 (POL2).
• First completed project in PAMP, ensuring fuel and cement security for Alaska.
• Approximately 87% of the cement used for construction in Alaska will come through this new terminal.

• All of the jet fuel used by Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and half of the aviation fuel supporting Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and the Fairbanks International Airport will come through this terminal and the PCT.
• Replaces Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants Terminal 1 (POL1).
• Construction planned for 2029-2032, contingent on availability of funding.

• Replaces the existing Administration Building, which is currently located on the cargo terminals.
• Currently under construction.
• Expected to be complete in 2024.

• Demolish remaining cargo terminal to avoid damage to the new terminals.
• Construction planned for 2030-2032, contingent on funding.

• Stabilizes the critical section of the North Extension most likely to affect Port of Alaska operations in the event of a failure.
• Currently under construction with in-water demolition scheduled to begin in spring 2024.
• Awarded the largest Ports and Infrastructure Development Grant in 2022 at $68.7M.
• Expected to be complete in fall 2024.

• Stabilizes the remainder of the North Extension to allow Port of Alaska use of the land.
• Construction planned for 2030-2031, contingent on funding

• T1 and T2 will be contracted and funded separately and are in the initial stages of design and federal permitting.
• Replaces existing cargo terminals and supports cargo operations, military deployments, and cruise ships.
• Completion of T1 will signify food security for Alaskans.
• Construction planned for 2025-2030, contingent on funding.

Step 3 - Cargo Terminals 1 and 2 (T1 and T2)

• Utilized by small marine craft during the summer months.
• Relocated and completed in 2022 to accommodate the new PCT location.

To learn about each of these projects, visit the Projects section.

Learn More

Program timeline

Port of Alaska completed the Petroleum Cement Terminal (PCT) and the South Floating Dock construction in 2022.
Below is an overview of the remaining projects.

Working in Cook Inlet

Port of Alaska is located in an environment that presents challenges for construction.

Ice floes limit the in-water construction season to just 6 months per year.

With a range of almost 40 feet, the tides in Cook Inlet are the highest in the United States.

The presence of Cook Inlet beluga whales requires special operations and severely restricts design flexibility and construction methods.