Wrangell Advances Shipyard Project with JAG Marine
The City and Borough of Wrangell, Alaska, has taken significant steps to enhance its maritime capabilities by expanding a public-private partnership with JAG Marine Group. This collaboration aims to develop a new large-vessel shipyard at Wrangell’s deep-water port. Recent actions include a memorandum of understanding and the approval of funding for design and feasibility studies, positioning the project for potential state and federal support.
Partnership Framework and Project Goals
On January 28, 2026, the City and Borough of Wrangell and JAG Marine Group formalized their partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding. This document outlines a collaborative framework for the proposed shipyard facility. Following this, on February 10, the Wrangell Assembly approved a plan to jointly fund the initial stages of the project, which includes a 30% design, detailed cost estimates, and a feasibility analysis.
Completing the 30% design is crucial as it will refine site planning, engineering concepts, infrastructure requirements, and cost projections. This groundwork is essential for attracting potential state and federal funding. The proposed shipyard is expected to significantly enhance Alaska’s capacity for shipbuilding, fabrication, repair, and maintenance of large commercial and government vessels. Proponents believe that the facility will also support the operational needs of the U.S. Coast Guard, particularly as its presence in the Arctic and Pacific regions expands.
Recently, Wrangell was designated a “Coast Guard City” by borough resolution, highlighting its strategic role as a maritime hub between Seattle and Anchorage. Borough Manager Mason Villarma emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “By advancing 30% design and feasibility, we are demonstrating to our state and federal partners that this project is real, actionable, and aligned with both economic development and national security priorities. Wrangell is ready.”
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
JAG Marine Group, which operates the Ketchikan Shipyard, believes that a new facility in Wrangell would complement existing shipyard capacities in Southeast Alaska. Doug Huff, president and co-owner of JAG Marine Group, remarked, “Alaska has an opportunity to capture a greater share of fabrication and maintenance work that too often leaves the state. A Wrangell shipyard strengthens the entire maritime ecosystem.” He added that the collaboration with Ketchikan could expand capacity, support federal assets operating in the Arctic, and create high-quality jobs for Alaska’s workforce.
Supporters of the project argue that the new shipyard would not only increase in-state capacity for large-vessel construction and repair but also bolster federal and state Arctic operations. Additionally, it is expected to expand fabrication capabilities and generate maritime and skilled trade jobs in Southeast Alaska. As the design and feasibility phase progresses, city officials have committed to ongoing community engagement and coordination with state and federal stakeholders to ensure the project’s success.
