SAN JUAN HARBOR WIDENING AND DEEPENING PROJECT

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US Army Corps of Engineers

South Atlantic Division Website

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Located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico, San Juan Harbor is the island’s primary port and handles over 75 percent of the Commonwealth’s non-petroleum waterborne commerce. For the past decade, the Puerto Rico Port Authority (PRPA) had restricted access to larger vessels due to the accumulation of bottom debris and the increasing size of ships. The need to widen and deepen the harbor’s navigation channels to accommodate these larger vessels became critical for improving port efficiency, safety, and capacity.

This dredging project will enhance both the economic and operational capabilities of the harbor by facilitating smoother and safer navigation for larger vessels, benefiting commercial trade, tourism, and the import/export economy. Increased capacity for cruise ships and petroleum tankers will also help reduce operational costs, enabling direct transportation of goods into the port.

COL Charles L. Decker, commander of the USACE Caribbean District, emphasized the importance of collaboration in the project’s success: "The San Juan Harbor deepening and widening project demonstrates how effective coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders is crucial to project success," said COL Decker. "Since the establishment of the USACE Caribbean District earlier this year, we have achieved significant milestones. Our commitment to serving the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands remains a top priority."

SAN JUAN HARBOR WIDENING AND DEEPENING PROJECT – COMPLETED

In June 2023, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) awarded a $56.7 million contract to Curtin Maritime for the widening and deepening of the inner channels of San Juan Harbor (SJH), Puerto Rico. Curtin Maritime began dredging operations on April 3, 2024, and successfully completed the project on November 13, 2024. SJH serves as a vital hub for commercial cruise ships, petroleum tankers, and terminal operators, while also playing a key role in safeguarding the environment.

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Tags: Puerto Rico, US Army Corps of Engineers, San Juan Harbor, South Atlantic District, USACE Task Force VIPR, Dredging and Deepening

Photo by: Luis Deya | VIRIN: 241127-A-TM125-1002.JPG

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