By
Rebecca Gibson |
Vigor Alaska is to build two ro-pax ferries for Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) at its Ketchikan shipyard, beginning in October 2014.
To ensure that the construction of the ferries would benefit the Alaskan economy, Vigor Alaska significantly lowered its original cost estimates for the project, agreeing to build the vessels for a total of CAD$101 million. Consequently, the two ships will be the first Alaska-built ferries operated by AMHS and are scheduled for delivery in 2018.
“This project represents far more than a contract,” said Adam Beck, Vigor Alaska’s president. “It is a dramatic step forward in realising the shared goal of the people of Alaska, its elected officials and the shipyard to keep taxpayer dollars in the state and support family-wage jobs. The Vigor Alaska team represents the best shipbuilders in the state with the expertise to build complex vessels and the dedication to do it to the highest quality standards.”
Designed by Vigor Alaska, Alaska Department of Transportation, Alaska Marine Highway System and Elliot Bay Design Group, the two 280ft ferries will be able to accommodate 450 passengers and around 60 vehicles. The vessels will cruise at a speed of 18 knots and provide a daily service on the Lynn Canal route between Juneau, Haines and Skagway in Alaska.
“Here we are today to launch this shipyard to a new level, a new level of good jobs, a new level of growth for Ketchikan businesses that are going to supply the shipyard and its workers,” said Sean Parnall, governor of Alaska. “Today we effectively put Ketchikan and this shipyard on the map as a major maritime industry competitor.”
Ketchikan shipyard has been significantly improved over the past decade with investments from the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority. The yard now has a 130,000 sq ft ship production facility, which can be used to build vessels of more than 500ft in length. It also features an adjacent five-storey production centre, which helps to maximise materials efficiency.