(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) – Today the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) opened a statewide essay contest for students to propose a name for the vessel that will replace the MV Tustumena. The contest is open to all Alaska students in grades 6 through 12. 

Entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. Alaska time on Monday, November 23, 2026.

The Tustumena has served communities along the Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak Island, the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands since 1964. DOT&PF awarded the construction contract for the replacement vessel on October 1, 2026. 

“For more than six decades, the Tustumena has connected Alaska’s coastal communities, carrying families, vehicles and essential goods,” said Ryan Anderson, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. “This contest gives young Alaskans a chance to help name a vessel that will serve the next generation and continue that tradition of connection.” 

Under AS 19.65.020, Alaska Marine Highway System maritime vessels must be named for Alaska glaciers, and vessel names must be established by law. A selection committee will review the entries and select one winning essay. DOT&PF will submit the student’s proposed name to the Alaska Legislature for consideration during the legislative session beginning in January 2027. The proposed name will become official only if enacted into law. 

Students can explore Alaska glacier names through the Alaska State Library’s glacier list. Complete contest rules and submission instructions are available at dot.alaska.gov/nameaferry.

RESOURCES

• Alaska has 745 named glaciers. Students can browse the Alaska State Library’s list at library.alaska.gov/asp/alaska_glaciers.html
• Contest rules: dot.alaska.gov/nameaferry 

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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.”