KOTZEBUE

• Latitude: 66.9012
•
• Longitude: -162.583
•
• Alaska
•
• Port in US

Address: Kotzebue AK US

Kotzebue, located in the U.S. state of Alaska, is a coastal city situated on the Baldwin Peninsula in Kotzebue Sound. It serves as a critical regional hub for transportation, trade, and logistics in northwest Alaska. Here is a description and specification of the Kotzebue Marine Port:

Description

Location:

• Latitude: Approximately 66° 54' N
• Longitude: Approximately 162° 35' W
• Region: Northwest Arctic Borough
• Water Body: Kotzebue Sound, part of the Chukchi Sea

Importance: Kotzebue's port is pivotal for the region, serving as the primary point of entry for goods and resources for surrounding communities. Given its remote location and lack of accessible road connections, the port is essential for delivering supplies, fuel, and other necessities.

Climate:

• The climate is Arctic or sub-Arctic, characterized by long, extremely cold winters and short, cool summers.
• Ice typically forms on Kotzebue Sound, limiting navigation in the winter months.

Specifications

Port Type:

• Shallow draft port
• Not considered a deepwater port

Facilities and Infrastructure:

• Docking Facilities: Kotzebue does not have extensive deepwater docking facilities. The docking areas typically support shallow-draft vessels such as barges and smaller boats.
• Terminal Services: There are terminals used for offloading cargo, storage, and distribution. Given the port's limited size, services may include crane operations for loading and unloading goods from vessels.
• Warehouse and Storage: Warehouses and storage areas are available for goods, though these are more limited compared to major ports.
• Fuel Supply: The port includes fuel storage facilities, essential for refueling both maritime and regional transportation needs.

Cargo and Freight:

• Types of Cargo: General cargo includes building materials, machinery, food supplies, household goods, and fuel. Bulk cargo such as construction aggregates may also be handled.
• Transport Modes: Primarily via sea with seasonal dependence; overland and air transport are also used due to geographic constraints.

Navigation & Accessibility:

• Navigability: The Arctic conditions restrict year-round operations. Ice-dominated conditions prevail for a significant part of the year, generally from late November to mid-June.
• Pilotage: There may not be dedicated pilotage services due to the port's smaller size and shallow draft designation. Local knowledge is essential for safe navigation.
• Anchorage: Limited anchorage areas that are protected from severe weather.

Intermodal Connections:

• Air: Ralph Wien Memorial Airport provides crucial connectivity to other parts of Alaska and the U.S., facilitating goods and passenger transport.
• Overland: Limited due to lack of road infrastructure connecting to other major highways or communities.

Challenges:

• Seasonal ice formation and harsh climatic conditions, which can impede operations.
• Remote location, presenting logistics and cost challenges for supply chains.
• Limited infrastructure and capacity compared to larger, more developed ports.

Summary

Kotzebue’s marine port plays a vital yet challenging role in supporting the logistical and economic needs of the northwest Alaskan region. Its operations are constrained by seasonal ice, a limited infrastructure suited to shallow-draft vessels, and challenges posed by its remote Arctic location. Despite these challenges, it remains an indispensable hub for regional supply and commerce.