BARROW AK

• USBRW
• Latitude: 71.3022
• Longitude: -156.769
• Alaska
• Port in US

Location: Barrow AK US

Barrow, Alaska, now officially known as Utqiaġvik, is a remote location situated on the northern coast of the state along the Arctic Ocean. Utqiaġvik is the northernmost city in the United States, with extreme Arctic conditions that significantly impact its marine port capabilities and operations. Below is a description and specifications for the marine port facilities in Barrow:

Marine Port Description

1. Geographic Location:

   • Coordinates: 71.2906° N latitude, 156.7887° W longitude.
   • Region: Arctic Coastal Plain.
   • Climate: Characterized by long, extremely cold winters and short, cool summers. The port area is often covered by sea ice for large parts of the year.

2. Port Type:

   • Small-scale community port.
   • Primarily serves the local community and nearby areas, not a major commercial or industrial hub.

3. Function:

   • Primarily used for seasonal barge operations.
   • Supports resupply missions, fuel deliveries, and basic goods transport.
   • Not typically a transit point for large shipping operations due to ice coverage and challenging navigation conditions.

Specifications

1. Infrastructure:

   • Lacks large docks or extensive wharf facilities.
   • Importantly consists of beach landings and smaller-scale infrastructure suitable for shallow-draft vessels and barges.
   • No major cargo handling equipment; offloading of supplies typically done by smaller service crafts or using specialized equipment suitable for remote and harsh environments.

2. Port Operations:

   • Operates on a seasonal basis, often during the ice-free months from late June to early October.
   • During winter months, the port is largely inaccessible due to sea ice.

3. Access:

   • No deep-water access.
   • Approach channels can be subject to icebergs and floating ice, making navigation challenging.
   • Limited by natural geographic and environmental conditions.

4. Facilities and Services:

   • Limited storage facilities; goods are often offloaded and transported immediately.
   • No dedicated container handling or warehousing capabilities.
   • Fuel storage facilities to support local needs.

5. Limitations:

   • Limited period of operation due to ice and extreme weather conditions.
   • Geographical isolation imposes logistical challenges.
   • Infrastructure not conducive to large-scale commercial shipping activities.

Despite these limitations, the port in Barrow (Utqiaġvik) plays a crucial role in supporting the local population's supply chain, enabling them to receive necessary goods, fuel, and other supplies essential for survival in this remote Arctic environment.