Wrangell Shipyard & Homeport Initiative

Building Southeast Alaska's Maritime Future

The City & Borough of Wrangell is advancing a long-term effort to redevelop the former sawmill property at the Six-Mile-Deep Water Port into a modern maritime and industrial waterfront. Through strategic partnerships, planning initiatives, and infrastructure investments, the Borough is working to position Wrangell as a regional center for vessel repair, maritime logistics, industrial services, and future homeporting opportunities.

The approximately 42-acre deep-water waterfront property represents one of the largest industrial redevelopment opportunities in Southeast Alaska. Following the closure of the sawmill in the early 2000s, community leaders recognized the site's long-term potential as a catalyst for economic growth and maritime development. In 2022, the Borough acquired the property and has since worked diligently to advance redevelopment efforts through planning, technical studies, environmental assessments, grant funding, and private-sector partnerships.

Why Wrangell?

Wrangell's location within the Inside Passage, available industrial waterfront lands, reliable hydroelectric power, skilled workforce, and established maritime economy create a strong foundation for future growth. The community's working waterfront supports commercial fishing, marine transportation, seafood production, tourism, and industrial services, making it uniquely positioned to support expanded maritime operations.

The Borough's vision is to create a modern maritime hub where vessel repair, logistics, marine transportation, workforce development, and supporting industries can grow together, creating new economic opportunities for Wrangell, Southeast Alaska, and the state as a whole.

Strategic Partnerships

Redevelopment efforts are being advanced through collaboration with private industry, state and federal agencies, regional organizations, and local businesses. Current initiatives include ongoing efforts with Alaska Marine Lines regarding freight and logistics operations, planning efforts with JAG Marine Group to evaluate future shipyard development opportunities, and a feasibility study and conceptual shipyard design being completed by Pearlson & Pearlson.

The Borough has also partnered with local contractors and businesses to improve site readiness through clearing efforts, infrastructure planning, and property improvements that increase the site's marketability for future investment.

Supporting National Maritime Priorities

As the United States seeks to strengthen domestic shipbuilding, vessel maintenance, and maritime supply chains, Wrangell is working to ensure Southeast Alaska is positioned to support these efforts. The Borough continues to coordinate with Alaska's Congressional Delegation, State agencies, federal partners, and industry leaders to advance projects that align with national maritime objectives while creating long-term economic opportunities for the region.

Additional planning efforts related to the Six Mile redevelopment are being pursued through the Borough's Economic Development Administration (EDA) Industry Transformation Initiative. Information on those projects can be found on the EDA Industry Transformation Project page.

Rural in Scale, National in Capacity

Wrangell’s Shipyard & Homeporting Initiative represents a generational investment in Alaska's maritime future. By leveraging strategic partnerships, industrial waterfront assets, and community commitment, the City & Borough of Wrangell is creating new opportunities for vessel construction, repair, logistics, workforce development, and economic growth that will benefit Southeast Alaska and the nation for decades to come.

Project Documents

The documents below provide additional information regarding the Shipyard & Homeporting Initiative, including presentations, concept designs, project briefings, resolutions of support, and partner announcements. These materials are provided to keep residents, stakeholders, and potential partners informed as redevelopment efforts continue to advance.