(JUNEAU, Alaska) – The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) announced today that the M/V Tustumena has returned to service for communities in Southwest Alaska and the Aleutian chain. 

The M/V Tustumena is one of ten ferries providing essential service in coastal and non-port communities. Individuals, businesses, and local governments rely on the ferry system to transport vehicles, cargo, and passengers. The boat will make three trips this season, with the first chain trip commencing on August 22.

The Tustumena went in for its scheduled annual overhaul on March 13th, and extensive steel damage was discovered in the engine room and other locations. The United States Coast Guard granted approval for the Tustumena’s safe return to service last week.  

The Tustumena is 53-years-old. A replacement vessel has been designed, was funded in the fiscal year 2018 capital budget, and is expected to be in service within five years.

For bookings, please call local terminals, the AMHS central reservations office at 1-907-465-3941, or toll free at 1-800-642-0066. An updated schedule is available online at www.FerryAlaska.com.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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