Alaska Marine Highway Projects & Plans

This landing page serves as a centralized hub for accessing our current capital projects and plans in various stages. Each entry includes a concise summary to provide context and insight. Please use the provided links to navigate to detailed pages for further information.

AMHS 2045 Long-Range Plan (LRP)

The AMHS Long-Range Plan sets out to guide the operation and management of AMHS fleet and terminal infrastructure for the next 20 years. The Plan does the following:

Reviews existing planning initiatives and inputs.
Highlights existing and future opportunities for engagement.
Identifies future service scenarios for AMHS served communities - Process elaborated upon in the section below.
Identifies the supporting workforce and infrastructure needs to implement scenarios.
Outlines a capital replacement plan for our fleet and shoreside facilities.

Learn more about the AMHS 2045 Long-Range Plan.

MV Kennicott: Capital Project

Status: Project Complete (December 2025)

The M/V Kennicott returned to service on December 24, 2025, following a $27 million capital improvement project at Everett Ship Repair in Washington. This investment restored the vessel’s reliability and efficiency, extending its service life for the AMHS network.

Key Improvements:

Power Generation: Replaced aging ship service generators with new, cleaner, high-efficiency units to reduce fuel consumption.
System Renewals: Complete overhaul of heating and electrical systems.
Engine & Propulsion: Upgrades to both main engines and repairs to the propulsion shaft.
Structural Maintenance: Replacement of worn steel, vehicle deck renewals, and improved drainage systems.

Protective Coatings: Full "top-to-bottom" repaint and completion of all regulatory inspections and sea trials.

Tustumena Replacement Vessel (TRV)

Status: Procurement Phase

The State of Alaska has launched the formal procurement process to replace the aging MV Tustumena. This multi-year program aims to deliver a modern, ocean-class vessel specifically designed to navigate the challenging conditions of the Aleutian Chain.

Project Schedule:
Items below are subject to change based on the procurement process.

Milestone	Date / Timeline
Invitation to Bid Issued	January 2026
Bids Due	May 28, 2026 (2:00 PM)
Construction Period	2026 – 2028
Target Entry into Service	2029

Next Steps: Following the bid opening in May, the Alaska DOT&PF will evaluate submissions for a contract award. Find out more at https://dot.alaska.gov/amhs/fleet/trv.shtml

High Efficiency Commuter Ferry Project

Initiated in 2023, High Efficiency Commuter Ferry project began with Alaska Department Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF)-AMHS and Southeast Conference (SEC) evaluating the feasibility of hybrid ferries, identifying Ketchikan-Metlakatla and Skagway-Haines as potential hybrid commuter routes. While the specific pilot route, vessel design, and level of service have yet to be determined, public participation is a key focus. For more information, visit High Efficiency Commuter Ferry project page. To contact the project team, use the form at the bottom of the Project Overview page.

Cascade Point Ferry Terminal

Status: Ongoing (Updated 2026)

For the latest regarding the Cascade Point Ferry Terminal, please visit the dedicated project page:
https://dot.alaska.gov/sereg/projects/cascade-point-ferry-terminal/