Alaska is set to receive a major upgrade to its cruise ship infrastructure with the passage of a bill to finance a new $135 million passenger dock in Seward, marking a significant step in Seward Passenger Dock Development.
The project, part of the Seward Passenger Dock Replacement Project, will replace the existing fixed passenger dock built in 1966 with a floating double-berth pier extending 748 feet into the harbor. This new dock will be able to harbor larger cruise ships and Alaska Marine Highway System ferries, boosting intrastate travel to Seward.
House Bill 65 passed the Alaska Senate with a unanimous 18-0 vote and will now head to Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s desk for signature. The bill had previously passed the House with a 36-0 vote on Feb. 17.
The project will be financed through revenue bonds issued by the railroad corporation, with the debt paid off through a 30-year pier usage agreement with Royal Caribbean Group. The new dock is expected to open in spring 2026 and operate for at least 50 years.
In 2024, over 200,000 cruise ship passengers passed through Seward’s dock. The current dock has significantly corroded, resulting in weight restrictions. The new terminal will not only improve cruise ship infrastructure but also provide additional job opportunities for Seward residents and a new space for local events.
Moreover, the new terminal will feature a 68,000-foot cruise terminal with indoor passenger space. This will enhance the overall passenger experience, making Seward an even more attractive destination for cruise ships.
Additionally, Seward received a $50 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to bring power to cruise ships docked at the new terminal. This grant will help reduce the environmental impact of cruise ships and make Seward a more sustainable destination.
The $75 million allocated for this project will be added to the $60 million authorized by the state legislature in 2022. This significant investment in Seward’s cruise ship infrastructure is expected to have a lasting impact on the local community and economy.
The new terminal will feature a 68,000-foot cruise terminal with indoor space for passengers. This will enhance the overall passenger experience, making Seward an even more attractive destination for cruise ships.
Additionally, Seward received a $50 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to bring power to cruise ships docked at the new terminal. This grant will help reduce the environmental impact of cruise ships and make Seward a more sustainable destination.
The $75 million allocated for this project will be added to the $60 million authorized by the state legislature in 2022. This significant investment in Seward’s cruise ship infrastructure is expected to have a lasting impact on the local community and economy.
The Seward Passenger Dock Development project is a crucial step in enhancing Alaska’s cruise ship infrastructure, and its successful completion will have a lasting impact on the local community and economy.
News story originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
