PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Don Young Port of Alaska
Pilot
updated Sep 2019Pilotage is compulsory. Pilot boards at Homer, approx 160nm from Anchorage. The passage to the port is mainly clear except in the region of West Foreland where extra care is required transiting through the oil production platforms as traffic, currents and ice conditions allow.
Key data
updated Jul 2024Size limits
LOA 305m, beam 35.96m, draught 10.67m, 53,160DWT.
Water density
1001-1010.
Load line zone
North Pacific Winter Seasonal Zone, Winter Oct 16 to Apr 15, Summer Apr 16 to Oct 15.
Tides
The observed extreme low water is recorded as 2.0m below MLLW.
There is a PORTS tidal information site via voice response at + 1 907 277 1903 which is updated every ten minutes.
Currents: 0-6kts or more mid-channel. Close off the town the current floods NEat 1.5kts and ebbs SW at 2.5kts.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don Young Port of Alaska | 10.67 m | 305 m | 3 |
| Matson Terminal 1 | 10.67 m | 285 m | 1 |
| Petroleum Oil Lubricants Terminal (POL) | 10.67 m | 186 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jul 2024Anchorages
The best anchorage for deep draught vessels is W of the port area, in depths of 18.0-22.0m, of good holding ground in silt. There is little chance of dragging with a scope of cable from 5-7 times the depth, but the anchor will probably foul if it remains down through 2 tides.
It is dangerous to remain at anchor in this area when the ice breaks up in the spring. Smaller vessels may anchor closer to shore in depths of about 16.0m, but should not anchor directly W of the wharf.
Tugs
Tugs are available, and join the vessel approx 2nm SW of the berth. Arrangements should be made well in advance.
Charts and publications
BA 4810. Admiralty Pilot NP4, NP286(5).
Reporting before arrival
updated Sep 2019ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessels arriving in first US port: Please see country information.
Communications
VHF: Ch 06, 07, 10 and 16.
Safety Broadcast: As the channel between Fire Island and Fire Island Shoal is narrow, before taking up the Race Point (61°10'N 150°13'W) 058° lead, Vessels Inbound and Outbound should broadcast a safety call on VHF Ch 16 and establish communication with oncoming traffic on VHF Ch 13.
Documents
Please see country information for details of documentation requirements.
Health
Ship Sanitation Control Certificates: Please see country information.
Customs and immigration
The Port of Alaska is a "Port of Entry". Foreign trade zone services are available.
For crew not to be detained onboard, each crew member must have a visa in their passport or Seaman's Book.
Notices and regulations
Coastguard Vessel Inspection: Please see country information.
Inspections
Port State Control here: US Coast Guard.
Foreign ships are examined by the US Coast Guard. File the Advance Notice of Arrival 96 hours ahead (33 CFR 160).
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: United States Coast Guard, Office of Compliance. Address: 2100 Second St, SW, Washington DC, 20593, USA. Tel: +1 202 267 2978. Fax: +1 202 267 4858. Email: [email protected]. For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www2.imo.org/ISPSCode.
Port services
updated Sep 2019Repairs
Available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available.
Stores: Available.
Medical
Alaska Native Hospital, 3km. Alaska Regional Hospital, 6km. Providence Hospital, 10km.
Crew change
Crew change is possible.
Transport
Nearest airport: Anchorage International Airport, 8km.
Nearest railway: Alaska Railroad is located at the port.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours. Stevedores quote (4) gangs available with 4 hours notice, (10) gangs available with 12 hours notice.
About Don Young Port of Alaska
updated Sep 2026Where it is
The Don Young Port of Alaska lies at the head of Cook Inlet.
The port
Major seaport formerly known as Anchorage and largest city in Alaska, the port is open all year round. Some drift and harbour ice during winter (Nov to Apr). The port handles containers, general cargo, dry bulk, Ro-Ro, cruise, passengers, and liquid cargo.
Traffic
Approx 5,500,000t of cargo, 434,000TEU and 1,700 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Don Young Port of Alaska
What are the pilot arrangements at Don Young Port of Alaska?
Pilotage is compulsory.
What time zone is Don Young Port of Alaska in?
Local time at Don Young Port of Alaska is UTC−9. Clocks go to UTC−8 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−9 on 7 Nov 2027.
What is the maximum draft at Don Young Port of Alaska?
The deepest berth listed is at Don Young Port of Alaska: 10.67 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Don Young Port of Alaska?
1001-1010.
Which load line zone is Don Young Port of Alaska in?
North Pacific Winter Seasonal Zone, Winter Oct 16 to Apr 15, Summer Apr 16 to Oct 15.
Who carries out Port State Control at Don Young Port of Alaska?
Port State Control at Don Young Port of Alaska: US Coast Guard.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Don Young Port of Alaska?
The UN/LOCODE of Don Young Port of Alaska is USANC.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Don Young Port of Alaska say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
Plan a route to Don Young Port of Alaska →
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.