INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Building back stronger: CPA advances port resilience
T he Commonwealth Ports Authority (CPA) is mov- ing from emergency recov- ery toward long-term infrastructure renewal across the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), using the damage caused by recent super typhoons as an opportunity to build stronger and more resilient ports. “While recovery remains ongoing, we have begun to pivot back to our projects that were disrupted by the typhoons,” said Esther Ada, Executive Director. “Rather than treating recov- ery and capital improvements as separ- ate efforts, we have tried to incorporate typhoon-related repairs and resiliency improvements into our existing pro- jects wherever practical.” The approach is allowing CPA to combine ongoing engineering and design work with disaster-recovery needs while pursuing additional fed- eral funding for critical infrastructure. “This approach has allowed us to lever- age ongoing engineering and design work, pursue additional federal fund- ing and rebuild our infrastructure to make it stronger and better prepared for future disasters,” Ada said. Across Saipan, Tinian and Rota, CPA’s priorities are focused on mod- ernizing aging infrastructure, improv- ing operational efficiency and safety, strengthening resilience, supporting commercial and military growth, devel- oping new revenue opportunities and maximizing federal funding to reduce the burden on local financial resources. Saipan’s commercial seaport is the CNMI’s principal economic gate- way, handling essential commodities including food, fuel, construction materials, medical supplies and con- sumer goods. Cargo moving through Saipan also supplies Tinian and Rota. CPA is advancing four major initia- tives at the port. The Delta Dock Rehabilitation and Expansion Project, supported through
the Maritime Administration’s PIDP program, will address deteriorating infrastructure and underwater voids while expanding berth capacity. CPA is also evaluating the feasibility of incor- porating a marine refueling station. The South Seaplane Ramp Rehabilitation, funded by CPA, will improve a key passenger gateway to Managaha Island while supporting smaller commercial and inter-island vessels. Improvements will address passenger access, loading operations, parking and overall efficiency. Engineering and design are underway for the Charlie Dock Extension, which will increase berth capacity and provide greater flexibility for commercial cargo, military vessels and cruise ships. The Harbor Dredging Improvement Project will improve navigational safety and accommodate larger vessels while supporting future expansion. Finding environmentally suitable sites for dredged material disposal remains an ongoing challenge. “Collectively, these projects represent our long-term strategy of expanding capacity while improving resilient effi- ciency and economic competitiveness,” Ada said. Tinian continues to grow in import- ance as both a commercial and military logistics hub. A proposed port-to-air fuel pipeline which would provide a direct connection will improve fuel- transfer efficiency while strengthening national defense readiness. The Tinian Port Joint Area Develop- ment Project, being undertaken with the Department of War, includes breakwater improvements, dredging and berth upgrades. CPA is also pur- suing improvements associated with the North Field runway, including a proposed 36-month lease to facilitate aggregate imports. At the same time, CPA is examin- ing opportunities to redevelop under- utilized port property for parking,
Esther Ada, Commonwealth Ports Authority
warehouses and storage facilities — improvements intended to support port operations while creating addi- tional revenue opportunities. Rota represents one of CPA’s great- est infrastructure challenges. West Harbor is the Island’s only commercial harbor and serves as a lifeline for cargo deliveries, emergency response and economic activity. “The damage sustained during Super Typhoons Senlaku and Bavi underscored both its vulnerability and its importance,” Ada said. CPA is advancing engineering and design for the comprehensive rehabili- tation of Berths 1 and 2, funded through a Maritime Administration RAISE grant. Following the storms, the authority is reevaluating the project scope to incorporate greater resilience and position itself for future federal construction funding. For CPA, the objective is clear: recovery is not simply about restoring damaged infrastructure. It is an oppor- tunity to rethink how the CNMI’s ports can serve their communities, economy and national security needs in the face of future challenges. “We are trying to rebuild our infra- structure to make it stronger and better prepared for future disasters,” Ada said.
October 2026 — PACIFIC PORTS — 19
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