PORT LEADERSHIP
The multi-phase Modernization Program will be ongoing over the next decade.
The existing port infrastructure has served Alaska for more than six decades but has reached the end of its design life.
“The world isn’t building smaller ships anymore,” Umatum said. “When our carriers decide to upgrade and modernize their fleets, we’ll be ready.” The modernization program is intended to preserve capacity, improve resilience and allow the port to respond to future changes in vessel size, and shipping practices. Umatum believes maintaining and even increasing cap- acity in some areas for future shipping trends is essential. The redevelopment also represents an opportunity to trans- form the way the port operates. Many existing systems date back to the 1950s and 1960s. Automation was virtually nonexistent when much of the original infrastructure was built. That is changing. New cargo hand- ling systems, upgraded electrical infra- structure, and digital technologies are being incorporated throughout the redevelopment. “We’re building for today’s standards and tomorrow’s requirements,” Umatum said. Protecting a unique environment Operating a major construction project in one of North America’s most environmentally sensitive marine ecosystems presents unique challenges.
the Port of Alaska Modernization Program (PAMP), one of the largest port redevelopment projects currently underway in the United States. The existing port infrastructure has served Alaska for more than six decades but has reached the end of its design life. Marine pilings continue to deteriorate from corrosion, while the risk posed by major seismic activity has become an increasing concern. “We’re beyond the life expectancy of the current infrastructure,” Umatum said. “This project is about making sure this Port continues serving Alaska for generations.” The modernization is being delivered in multiple phases over the next decade. Following completion of Phase 1 including the south floating dock and the new Petroleum and Cement Terminal, work is now well underway on Phase 2A which includes the com- pleted new administrative building at the start of construction of Terminal 1, where construction is occurring while
existing cargo operations continue only metres away. The Terminal 1 replacement is expected to be commissioned in 2028, with Terminal 2 following shortly afterwards and Terminal 3 planned later in the program. For Umatum, one of the great- est accomplishments so far has been maintaining project momentum. “The PAMP program is on schedule accord- ing to our contactors,” he said.
Preparing for the next generation of shipping
While replacing aging infrastructure is the primary objective, the modern- ization also positions Alaska to accom- modate the future of international shipping. Global shipping lines con- tinue to build larger container vessels, yet the Port of Alaska’s existing cranes were designed decades ago. The new terminal will feature significantly larger cranes capable of servicing bigger vessels while reaching further into Cook Inlet to allow for greater water depth.
22 — PACIFIC PORTS — July 2026
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