KETCHIKAN

• USKTN
• Latitude: 55.351
• Longitude: -131.686
• Alaska
• Port in US

Location: Ketchikan AK 99901 US

Ketchikan is a bustling marine port located in southeastern Alaska, United States. It is renowned for being a key gateway to the scenic Inside Passage and for its rich cultural heritage, including influences from Native Alaskan tribes such as the Tlingit. Here is a detailed description and specification of Ketchikan as a marine port:

Port Overview

• Location: Ketchikan is situated on Revillagigedo Island, approximately 235 miles south of Juneau and just 90 miles north of Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada. The geographic coordinates are roughly 55°20′N latitude and 131°38′W longitude.
• Significance: Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," Ketchikan is pivotal for both commercial fishing and tourism. It serves as a primary entry point for cruise liners navigating through Alaska's Inside Passage.

Facilities and Infrastructure

• Docks and Piers: Ketchikan has multiple docks catering to a variety of vessels, from small fishing boats to large cruise ships. The primary cruise ship docks are Berths I, II, III, and IV, which can accommodate several large vessels simultaneously.
• Harbor: Thomas Basin and Bar Harbor are important harbor facilities in Ketchikan, providing mooring for fishing boats, pleasure craft, and other small vessels.
• Terminal Facilities: The port includes modern passenger terminals with amenities such as baggage handling, customs processing, and traveler information services. The Ketchikan International Airport, located on Gravina Island, is accessible via a short ferry ride and enhances connectivity.
• Navigation: The waters around Ketchikan are typically deep, allowing easy access for large vessels. The port is well-charted, with navigational aids such as buoys and lighthouses ensuring safe passage.
• Repair and Maintenance: Ketchikan Shipyard provides repair and maintenance services for various types of vessels, including fishing boats, ferries, and larger ships.

Commodities and Trade

• Fishing Industry: The port is central to Alaska's fishing industry, with major activities including salmon processing and the export of seafood.
• Imports and Exports: Besides seafood, imports include fuel, machinery, and consumer goods, while exports consist of fish, seafood products, and forest products like timber and wood pulp.

Port Services

• Pilotage: Mandatory pilotage services ensure safe navigation for ships entering and leaving the port.
• Tug Services: Tugboats are available to assist with berthing and unberthing operations, especially for larger vessels.
• Bunkering: Fueling services are available for ships calling at the port, with facilities for clean and efficient refueling.
• Waste Disposal: The port provides waste disposal services to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Tourism

• Cruise Industry: Ketchikan is a popular stop on Alaskan cruise itineraries. The port accommodates a significant number of cruise passengers each year, who disembark to explore local attractions such as the Misty Fjords National Monument, Totem Bight State Historical Park, and Creek Street.
• Cultural Attractions: The port area has numerous shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, contributing to the vibrant local tourism industry.

Environmental and Safety Measures

• Sustainability Initiatives: The port authority works actively to balance commercial activity with environmental stewardship, implementing measures to protect marine life and reduce pollutant emissions.
• Emergency Services: The port is equipped with emergency response teams and facilities to handle maritime emergencies, spills, and other incidents.

Economic Impact

• Local Economy: The port significantly contributes to the local and regional economy through employment in the fishing, tourism, and maritime sectors.
• Community Engagement: The port authority engages closely with the local community, emphasizing the importance of sustainable growth and integrating cultural heritage into port activities.

Ketchikan's marine port, with its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and diverse services, plays a crucial role in the economic and cultural vitality of southeastern Alaska.