PELELIU, Palau — The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), working with the Palau government and Peleliu State, has outlined plans to rehabilitate and modernize the South Dock in Peleliu following public meetings held Aug. 12 in Peleliu and Aug. 14 in Koror.
The $12 million project, led by the U.S. Pacific Fleet and overseen by Navy Seabees and Marines, is expected to begin as early as the end of 2025 and take about two years to complete, according to a DoD press release.
At the meetings, residents were briefed on the scope of work, construction timelines and environmental survey findings. Community members raised questions about fishing grounds, waste disposal, and the cultural impact of the project, concerns that DoD officials said will help guide final design and environmental mitigation.
Former Peleliu Gov. Jackson Ngiraingas highlighted the importance of protecting the lagoon near the channel, describing it as a vital fishing ground. DoD representatives responded that such feedback is crucial in shaping the project.
The planned improvements include dredging the channel back to its 1945 dimensions, removing deteriorated World War II-era structures, stabilizing the shoreline, and building a new quay wall wharf with roll-on/roll-off capability. The project also includes a public boat ramp, aids to navigation, and upgrades to accommodate larger vessels at all tidal conditions.
“This project is very important to improve and support the livelihood of people in Peleliu,” Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles I. Obichang said at the meetings. “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.”
Obichang said the dock will also improve emergency access. “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,” he said.
Environmental protections are built into the proposal, according to DoD planners. Temporary erosion controls such as cofferdams and silt curtains will be used during construction, while an area identified as containing historical artifacts will be avoided entirely.
John Burke, environmental planning lead for U.S. Pacific Fleet, said the effort will bring lasting benefits. “The Peleliu South Dock improvements will provide great benefit and safety to the local community,” Burke said. “We look forward to sharing the new facilities with the people of Peleliu.”
Originally built by U.S. Navy Seabees in 1945 after the Battle of Peleliu, the dock is now a key infrastructure project under the U.S.–Palau Compact of Free Association. The upgrade will support U.S. defense obligations in the region while also strengthening daily life and economic opportunities for Palauans.
