St. Herman Harbor was originally constructed in 1982 by the Alaska Department of Transportation. The Harbor has 15 main floats, 13 of which are the original floats installed in 1982. Most floats accommodate smaller commercial fishing vessels and recreational vessels ranging from 20 to 62 feet in length. Larger vessels that are 63 to 150 feet in length are moored on the west side of the harbor. N float, located on the southern-most side of the harbor, was constructed in 2000. The float can accommodate vessels up to 150 feet in length and offers linear moorage space to transient vessels.
St. Herman is the largest of Kodiak’s two boat harbors, providing safe moorage for more than 400 vessels from Alaska and the West Coast. Because of its age, St. Herman Harbor is deteriorating. Many portions of the 40-year-old facility are in very poor condition, suffering from failing concrete, rotting walers and bullrails, and an outdated electrical system.
On average, the harbor is losing one boat slip per year which results in the loss of two vessel berths and associated harbor revenue. Additionally, there is an existing capacity issue with more than 110 vessels on the boat slip waitlist.
“Modernizing and expanding our port infrastructure is critical to our status as the largest homeported fishing fleet in the State of Alaska. Waterfront facilities and marine infrastructure are a critical element to the City of Kodiak and the State of Alaska, supporting a large portion of the City’s commerce, industry, transportation, and recreational needs.”
– Kodiak City Council
Watch this video on the strategic importance of St. Herman Harbor. Additional videos are available https://www.city.kodiak.ak.us/ph
Reconstructing the harbor is the City of Kodiak’s number one capital priority. The City of Kodiak hired Turnagain Marine Construction (Turnagain) to provide planning-level design and public involvement services to develop feasible options for harbor improvements that will assist the community and elected officials in determining the best alternative for moving forward. This is the second phase of a four-phased effort.
Phase I – In 2022, the city hired an engineering firm to complete planning and scoping. Complete.
Phase II – In 2023 the city awarded Turnagain a competitive contract to complete preliminary design and environmental permitting, scheduled for completion in 2026.
Phases III & IV – Construction is scheduled for 2026-2027 and estimated at $40 million.
Turnagain developed two preliminary design concepts (Concept A and Concept B) that were presented to residents and harbor users in April 2024 during ComFish Alaska. Reaction was split about 50/50 between the two concepts, and ultimately Concept B was selected.
In addition, harbor users expressed a need for a drive-down float at St. Herman Harbor, and, the City expressed a need for staging and moorage space during removal and installation of the new harbor floats. To respond to these needs, Concept 01 was developed.
Concept 01 includes a new drive-down float “O” on the west side of the harbor. The float would be accessed via a 20-foot-wide-by-130-foot-long transfer span. The span would allow access during all tide levels and would include separated vehicular and pedestrian access, creating an additional revenue source from a currently underutilized portion of the harbor.
Concept 01/O float has been combined with Concept B to move forward with design and permitting.
View the Plans