Photo By Lt.Cmdr. Michelle Tucker | PELELIU, Republic of Palau (Aug. 12, 2025) Representatives of the Palau Government and...... read more read more
Representatives of the Palau Government, including Peleliu State officials, along with the U.S. Department of Defense hosted two public meetings in Peleliu and Koror states, Aug. 12 and 14 respectively, to share information about proposed Peleliu South Dock rehabilitation and improvements.
The rehabilitation and modernization of Peleliu South Dock is one of several U.S. Pacific Fleet-led infrastructure improvement projects in Palau that support U.S. Indo-Pacific Command posture initiatives to ensure operational readiness in the region.
The public meetings provided residents the proposed project scope, construction timeline, and environmental baseline survey results. The meetings also provided opportunities for residents to ask questions and share comments that will influence and become part of the environmental impact statement.
The proposed project would restore the channel width and depth back to its original 1945 dimensions. It would improve the existing South Dock wharves and laydown areas. Specifications would be to Republic of Palau standards and support U.S. military requirements to meet defense obligations under the Compact of Free Association and the ability of the DoD to meet mission requirements in the Indo-Pacific region.
The project is intended to provide infrastructure capable of supporting larger watercraft, including local barges. This shared-use facility would be suitable for use in all tidal conditions, improving upon existing limitations during low tide.
Planned work includes the removal of deteriorated and unusable World War II-era steel pier structures. It also includes vegetation clearance and grading of a beach area, dredging to the original 12-foot below low-tide line, and installation of aids to navigation to increase safety in the harbor entrance and channel in accordance with specifications from the Palau Bureau of Marine Transportation. In addition, the project incorporates shoreline stabilization, a quay wall wharf with a roll-on/roll-off boat ramp, and construction of a public boat ramp to support safe launch and recovery of small craft for residents.
Naval Facilities and Engineering Command planners and engineers explained the various phases of the proposal, which are planned to cause minimum impact to dock operations. Discussion topics included environmental and cultural resource surveys that have been completed by a Palau-based environmental company, which is also preparing the environmental impact statement in accordance with Republic of Palau environmental regulations. The field surveys included identification and cataloging of marine and terrestrial habitats, biodiversity, and cultural areas of significance.
While the proposed improvements will enhance capabilities for U.S. military forces operating in the region, they will also provide significant benefit to the local community.
“This project is very important to improve and support the livelihood of people in Peleliu,” Palau Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles I. Obichang said. “Not only the daily lives, but to support
improvements that will come in the future. Right now, there are limitations to the existing structure, which is failing. The South Dock improvements are essential to loading and unloading heavy equipment and materials.”
Peleliu South Dock was originally constructed by U.S. Navy Seabees in 1945 following the U.S. Marine Corps landing on the island during World War II. The proposed renovation project would be led by Marines and Navy Seabees under the guidance of 30th Naval Construction Regiment. The work could begin as early as the end of 2025 and would take approximately two years to complete.
The improvements would also increase access to Peleliu in emergencies, Obichang said.
“Twenty-four hour access is really important for business people, fishermen and all people in Peleliu. In an emergency we won’t have to wait until high tide to bring big vessels in and out of the South Dock,” he said, adding the project also represents Palau’s participation in the security of the Indo-Pacific region. “This dock is jointly beneficial for both countries [the United States and Palau], but the benefits are more tilted for Palau and the people of Peleliu. We've been waiting for this improvement for a long time.”
Minimizing impact to the environment and protecting areas of cultural significance during construction are important considerations for planners. Construction areas will be isolated using temporary erosion controls such as cofferdams, silt curtains, and floating barriers to contain turbidity. There will also be strict oversight during construction to include environmental monitors to ensure the mitigation measures remain effective. An area identified to contain historical artifacts will be avoided completely to preserve Palauan history for future generations.
“The Peleliu South Dock improvements will provide great benefit and safety to the local community,” John Burke, environmental planning lead for U.S. Pacific Fleet, said. “We look forward to sharing the new facilities with the people of Peleliu.”
The South Dock improvement project is estimated to cost approximately $12 million to include planning, materials, and labor.
A steadfast ally and strategic partner, the Republic of Palau is located in the Western Pacific Ocean about 500 miles east of the Philippines. Its position is crucial in projecting U.S. military power and presence, and for monitoring sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific region. Under the Compact of Free Association, the United States is responsible for Palau’s defense and many Palauans have served and continue to serve in the U.S. armed forces.
| Date Taken: | 08.14.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.14.2025 21:35 |
| Story ID: | 545605 |
| Location: | PELELIU, PW |
| Web Views: | 292 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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