(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) —The M/V Kennicott is serving Alaskans again, with the vessel’s return to service after the successful completion of the M/V Kennicott Generator Repower Project. The $27 million capital project was a major improvement to the vessel’s reliability, operational efficiency, and long-term service life. The work was conducted at the Everett Ship Repair in Washington, with critical support from the vessel’s Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) crew.

The project replaced the Kennicott’s aging generators with new, cleaner, and more efficient equipment reducing fuel consumption while increasing reliability. Crews also renewed key heating and electrical systems, completed important upgrades to both main engines, repaired the ship’s propulsion shaft, replaced worn-out steel, refreshed protective coatings, improved drainage in problem areas, renewed sections of the vehicle deck, and repainted the vessel from top to bottom. Together, these improvements strengthen the Kennicott’s ability to operate safely, efficiently, and dependably for years to come.

“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.”

The repower project is a component of department’s long-term Alaska Marine Highway System revitalization strategy which emphasizes efficient operations, predictable service, and long-term asset stewardship.. DOT&PF’s investment plan includes replacing the M/V Tustumena, advancing 12 key terminal and dock projects—such as the new Cascade Point Ferry Terminal, Cold Bay Dock Replacement, and improvements to Prince William Sound terminal facilities—and continuing customer-service upgrades.

Those system wide improvements include installing Wi-Fi across the fleet and deploying an upgraded maintenance-management system that improves how AMHS schedules, tracks, and forecasts maintenance needs. Together, these tools are designed to reduce unplanned maintenance, improve service reliability, and keep vessels operating more consistently.

With the M/V Kennicott returning to the fleet strengthened and modernized, DOT&PF remains committed to delivering a marine highway system that operates efficiently and reliably for the communities, businesses, and travelers who depend on it.

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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.”