Chenega sets sail

Alaska?s second fast vehicle ferry, ?Chenega?, sailed from Auke Bay yesterday, en route to Prince William Sound, where it will serve the communities of Cordova, Valdez, and Whittier. The ferry, built by Derektor Shipyards of Bridgeport, Connecticut at a cost of $38 million, is expected to enter revenue service on about August 26, following nearly a month of crew and route training.

Owned and operated by the Alaska Marine Highway System, the newbuilding is an aluminum catamaran hull vessel designed to carry 250 passengers and 35 vehicles. It is 72.3 metres long, has an 18.46 metre beam and a 2.45 metre draught and is powered by 4 MTU diesel engines, driving four Kamewa water jets. Its service speed is 32 knots, with a top speed of 42 knots.