Earthquake Update

Port of Alaska remained open with minimal impact to normal shipping and operation schedules after the magnitude 7.0 earthquake on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018. Port users reported no injuries, leaks, spills or significant structural failures after the earthquake. Ship traffic after the earthquake has maintained normal schedules. The tanker Pacific Beryl was at dock and discharging fuel when the earthquake struck and immediately suspended pumping operations. Pacific Beryl remained at dock an extra day after the earthquake while inspectors pressure-tested fuel lines for leaks. Pacific Beryl completed pumping operations and departed after shore-side fuel infrastructure was inspected and declared safe for operations.

The general cargo docks and trestles have all been inspected and are safe for regular shipping operations. The earthquake damaged several dock lights and overhead power lines that have since been repaired. All major port infrastructure has been inspected and declared safe for normal operation, and U.S. Corps of Engineers surveys show that Upper Cook Inlet shipping channels and Port of Alaska berths will support normal shipping operations.

Port of Alaska officials have temporarily repaired a minor earthquake-related land failure and are tracking minor land failures at the edges of cargo yards and on the port’s north extension. These land failures are mostly in low-traffic areas and are not expected to significantly impact port operations.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Dan Sullivan toured Port of Alaska on Dec. 3, 2018 and said that they will seek federal funds to help repair port damage and improve facility resiliency to prepare for future events.

Port of Alaska director Steve Ribuffo said, “Port of Alaska’s resiliency through this earthquake demonstrates the value of adhering to stringent engineering and maintenance schedules and standards. Unfortunately, good maintenance slows but can’t stop corrosion, and this level of performance is not sustainable for even a few more years.”

Port of Alaska’s modernization project aims to replace Port of Alaska’s half-century-old docks and related infrastructure, and will support more-efficient shipping operations that stand up to Upper Cook Inlet’s extreme marine environment and seismic conditions.