New ferries planned for Alaska

The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) recently announced a ferry acquisition project which calls for the design and construction of the next generation Alaska-class of ferries to begin replacing ageing ships currently in the AMHS fleet. The new Alaska-class vessels will serve intermediate length routes within sheltered waters.

“This is a grand opportunity to present travellers the opportunity to provide comment on ferries that will be environmentally responsible, fuel efficient and versatile,” said Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Commissioner Leo von Scheben. A project team has been organized, and it consists of AMHS officials, Alaska?s Marine Transportation Advisory Board, Elliott Bay Design Group and public involvement specialist Grady and Associates. “Our goal is to design a vessel that addresses the needs of a variety of stakeholders and provides them the opportunity to maximize use of the AMHS,” said Jim Beedle, Deputy Commissioner of Marine Operations.

“We?re excited at the possibility of acquiring new, single design ferries that will sail Alaska?s inside waters with enhanced reliability,” said Beedle. “A vitally important part of the project will be the public?s involvement in the future of their Alaska Marine Highway System. A public survey will be posted on the website 16 February and regional and key stakeholder meetings are also being scheduled. Those meetings will occur in Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka and Anchorage. The public input will be accepted until 30 April.

The project will be rolled out in three phases. Phase One is the feasibility study which the team expects to complete by 30 April. Following this, the concept / preliminary design phase has an estimated completion date of 3 October. The final phase, the detail design portion of the project, is expected to be completed in late February 2010.

AMHS said that there would be special emphasis on the environment, fuel efficiency and versatility during the design process.