Dutch Harbor, consistently ranking among the top fishing ports in the United States by volume and value, is the cornerstone of the Alaskan and national seafood industry. However, the shallow bar at the entrance to Iliuliuk Bay has historically restricted the size of ships that can safely navigate the channel, particularly during certain tides. This hurdle has caused delays and increased operational costs for fishing fleets and cargo vessels as well as limiting growth and efficiency within the port.
The $9.2 million project, awarded to J.E. McAmis Inc. of Chico, California, is a collaborative effort with the City of Unalaska. Funded 75% by the federal government and 25% locally, the completed project should alleviate the historically long navigational constraints. The primary objective is to remove approximately 172,000 cubic yards of sediment from the channel. This will create a new, expanded channel measuring 600 feet by 600 feet, with a significantly increased depth of 58 feet. This deeper and wider passage will allow larger, more modern vessels to access Dutch Harbor with greater ease and safety, regardless of tidal conditions.
“This project is going to improve safety for mariners and strengthen the supply chain of the North Pacific and Bering Sea,” remarked Colonel Jeffrey Palazzini, commander of the Alaska District, emphasizing the “strong partnership with the City of Unalaska” as integral to the project’s journey.
For the local economy and the broader seafood industry, the improvement will translate into reduced transit times, lower fuel consumption, and enhanced safety for vessels. It will also allow for the deployment of larger, more efficient fishing trawlers and cargo ships, potentially increasing the volume of seafood that can be processed and transported from Dutch Harbor. This, in turn, could lead to new jobs, increased investment in port infrastructure, and economic resilience within the region.
The USACE Alaska District is overseeing the project, ensuring that the dredging operations are conducted with environmental considerations and the sustainability of the marine ecosystem in mind.
Once completed, the Unalaska Dutch Harbor Channels Project is expected to significantly boost Alaska’s maritime commerce and strengthen Dutch Harbor’s vital role within the nation’s fishing industry for decades to come.