In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant changes to the design of Terminal 2 at the Port of Alaska, proposing an increase in the wharf width from 69 feet to 120 feet. This adjustment aims to enhance operational capacity and flexibility for future cargo handling, particularly for lift-on/lift-off (LoLo) operations. The proposed design, which received a favorable vote from the Design Advisory Board, would expand the total wharf area from approximately 60,000 square feet to over 112,000 square feet, surpassing the existing Terminal 1's wharf area of 104,000 square feet.

The estimated cost for this expansion is projected at $516 million, a figure that predates the final design estimates for Terminal 1. The assembly is set to vote on this ordinance on November 6th. However, concerns were raised regarding the lack of redundancy for roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) operations, as the current design does not include additional trestles at Terminal 1, which are necessary for full operational capability.

During the discussions, it was clarified that while the design for Terminal 1 allows for future trestle installation, these modifications were not included in the current vote. This omission has led to questions about the overall strategy for the terminals, particularly regarding the perceived need for mirrored docks to ensure resilience in case of emergencies.

The permitting process for both terminals has been structured to accommodate the wider design, allowing for flexibility in future decisions. However, the increase in width is expected to add an additional year to the construction timeline for Terminal 2 due to the increased complexity of the project.

Stakeholders from Matson and TOTE Maritime expressed their support for the wider design, emphasizing the importance of a resilient port infrastructure that can meet the needs of Alaskans, especially in emergency situations. They highlighted the necessity of a uniform dock design to facilitate operations across both terminals.

As the assembly prepares for the upcoming vote, the discussions underscore the ongoing challenges and considerations in developing the Port of Alaska, particularly in balancing immediate operational needs with long-term strategic planning.