Word that the MV Malaspina will need extended repairs has prompted a change in winter ferry service for Southeast Alaska and Prince Rupert, the Alaska Marine Highway System says.
The Columbia and LeConte will cover for the Malaspina from Dec. 22 through Feb. 23. Most Southeast Alaska communities will receive winter ferry service once a week and service to Prince Rupert is canceled.
At the end of February, the Kennicott will return to service to cover for the Malaspina and full ferry service to Southeast Alaska and Prince Rupert will resume.
Affected passengers are being notified by AMHS staff.
Captain John Falvey, general manager of AMHS, said that his office is aware of the impact of this change to communities who rely on ferries for passenger travel and cargo shipments,
“We rescheduled service to maximize port calls with available vessels and to offer communities full service for spring events like Gold Medal,” he said. “We’re disappointed and trying to make the best of it for passengers.”
The Malaspina had gone for its annual overhaul and certification on Oct. 1, and was scheduled to return to service on Dec. 22. Then during the overhaul, engineers determined that extensive steel replacement was needed and that both propeller hubs needed repair. Since shipyard space is limited and propeller hubs will take several months to complete, the vessel is now scheduled to return to service in late spring.
An updated schedule will be made available online at http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/?utm_source=FerryAlaska&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=FerryAlaska.com
