Kennicott returns to Alaska Marine Highway service after generator repower

The Alaska Marine Highway System has returned the ferry Kennicott to service following completion of a major generator repower and machinery renewal at Everett Ship Repair in Washington state. The 116.4m RoPax ferry re-entered service on December 24 after work costing USD 27 million.

The project replaced the vessel’s 26-year-old generators with new units intended to improve reliability and reduce fuel consumption. Additional work included upgrades to both main engines, propulsion shaft repairs, steel renewal, coating work, heating and electrical system renewals, drainage improvements and vehicle deck repairs.

Ryan Anderson, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, said: “By investing in modern equipment and smarter maintenance practices, we are reducing the risk of unexpected outages while making better use of public dollars.” The department said the work is expected to extend Kennicott’s service life and improve fleet reliability.

The vessel’s return to service allowed AMHS’s Columbia to enter its scheduled annual overhaul. Kennicott operates mainline routes across the Gulf of Alaska and Southeast Alaska, carrying up to 499 passengers with overnight accommodation, and has a vehicle capacity of 1,560 lane-metres.