BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Port of Bellingham is moving forward with plans to expand its operations around one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.

The Port’s Board of Commissioners met last week to discuss the direction of its current and future projects across Fairhaven.

They noted upcoming plans to build a new ADA-accessible hand-launch dock and small kayak beach near the Community Boating Center in 2026.

The board is also considering approval of a feasibility study that would investigate the potential for expanding the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The terminal is mainly used for weekly ferry service to Alaska, but Port staff are proposing they research the impacts of optimizing it for smaller to mid-size vessels as well.

The discussion was part of the Port’s quarterly meetings that each focus on specific areas of Bellingham.

Its next session in early 2026 will center around the future of the Waterfront District.