The Municipality of Skagway (the “Municipality”) is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to develop an updated Port Master Plan for the Port of Skagway.
In March 2023, the Municipality assumed control of the Port, ending a 55-year lease agreement with the Pacific and Arctic Railway and Navigation Company (PARN). Since that time, the Municipality has gained operational experience and a clearer understanding of the port and waterfront’s current and future needs.
The Port of Skagway is a critical economic driver for the community and the region. The Municipality welcomes over 1.3 million cruise ship passengers annually, while also supporting a range of industrial and transportation activities. There is renewed interest from Yukon Mines to utilize the Port for exporting bulk mineral concentrates, and the current infrastructure will require significant upgrades. A scoping study to assess these options will be considered. Additionally, a shore power feasibility study is underway. The port currently serves multiple users, including:
• Cruise vessels (up to four large ships at berth)
• Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) ferry operations
• Bulk fuel barges
• Cargo and supply barges
• Private vessels, tour charters, and fishing fleets
• The White Pass and Yukon Route (WP&YR) railroad, which operates throughout the waterfront
• Fuel and commodity storage & handling, helicopter operations, and restaurant services through waterfront leases
The port includes four berths, two owned by the Municipality and two privately owned, a small freight pier, a joint use facility shared between MOS and AMHS, the Small Boat Harbor, the Ore Shed and associated facilities, and fuel headers connected to the bulk fuel storage facility. The community of Skagway has a year-round population of approximately 1,100 residents but experiences significant seasonal fluctuations due to tourism. Skagway only utilizes 3.2 miles of shoreline for commercial activities, with the Port of Skagway accounting for 1.69 miles of that area.
Due to geographic constraints, expansion opportunities are limited. As such, future planning must focus on optimizing existing areas, improving operational efficiency, and balancing competing uses within a constrained footprint.
The most recent Port Master Plan was completed in June 2021 (see Attachment A), prior to the Municipality assuming control of the port, and was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on conditions that are no longer representative of current operations. An updated master plan is needed to reflect current operations, priorities, and long-term vision.
Proposals are due no later than 2:00 pm Alaska Standard time on May 22, 2026.