The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) has returned the 382’x85’ car-passenger vessel Kennicott back to service following completion of a major repower and machinery renewal project at Everett Ship Repair, Everett, Wash.
The $27 million project replaced the 26-year-old vessel’s aging generators with new units intended to increase reliability and reduce fuel consumption, the Alaskan Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) said in a press release. The work package also included heating and electrical renewals, upgrades to both main engines, propulsion shaft repair, steel replacement, coating renewal, drainage improvements, and vehicle deck repairs. The vessel was also repainted.
According to AMHS, the work is expected to extend the Kennicott’s service life while improving operational consistency throughout the fleet.
The Kennicott returned to service on Dec. 24, allowing the Columbia to enter its annual overhaul period. Kennicott is one of AMHS’ oceangoing mainline vessels and serves communities across the Gulf of Alaska and Southeast Alaska with a service speed of 16.75 knots and an ability to carry 499 passengers.
“The Kennicott repower reflects our focus on efficiency that delivers reliability for Alaskans,” said DOT&PF Commissioner Ryan Anderson. “By investing in modern equipment and smarter maintenance practices, we’re reducing the risk of unexpected outages while making better use of public dollars. Alongside major vessel investments, we’re advancing critical infrastructure projects that ensure the Alaska Marine Highway System remains a dependable part of our statewide transportation network.”
DOT&PF said the repower is part of the state transportation department’s broader long-term strategy to stabilize AMHS operations through predictable maintenance, vessel renewal, and terminal upgrades. Priority projects include replacing the Tustumena and advancing a slate of terminal and dock projects across the network, including work at Cascade Point, Cold Bay, and multiple Prince William Sound facilities.
AMHS said it is also continuing to upgrade maintenance coordination tools and onboard systems across the fleet, including installation of WiFi and improvements to maintenance scheduling and forecasting.
The Kennicott’s vehicle capacity is 1,560 linear feet for Southeast Alaska service and 1,340 linear feet for Southwest Alaska, equal to roughly 67 to 78 20’ vehicles. The vessel also provides overnight accommodations, including 48 four-berth cabins, 34 two-berth cabins, and 24 roomettes.
AMHS views the repower and related renewal work as key to maintaining mainline ferry service while larger modernization and replacement efforts continue.
WorkBoat reached out to the DOT&PF and Everett Ship Repair for further details on the repower.
