A Christmas Gift: M/V Kennicott Returns to Service
M/V Kennicott returned to service December 24, 2025.
Photo Credit: State of Alaska
A Christmas gift to coastal Alaska residents, M/V Kennicott returned to service on December 24, 2025, after the successful completion of a $27 million generator repower project performed at the Everett Ship Repair facility in Washington. Kennicott typically serves a broad swath of Alaska, sailing to and from Bellingham, Washington, and on routes that stop in Southeast, Southcentral, and the Gulf of Alaska.
With Kennicott back in service, another ferry— M/V Columbia—can begin its annual overhaul. According to the Alaska Marine Highway System, the overhaul generally takes six to eight weeks. Columbia provides service from Bellingham, Washington, through the Inside Passage to Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Kake, Sitka, Juneau, Haines, and Skagway.
Boosting Longterm Efficiency
The generator repower project replaced Kennicott’s aging generators with new, cleaner, and more efficient equipment reducing fuel consumption while increasing reliability. Crews also renewed heating and electrical systems, completed 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, the improvements prepare the Kennicott to operate safely, efficiently, and dependably for years to come.
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“The Kennicott repower reflects our focus on efficiency that delivers reliability for Alaskans,” says Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities 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 the department’s long-term Alaska Marine Highway System revitalization strategy, which emphasizes efficient operations, predictable service, and long-term asset stewardship. The plan includes replacing M/V Tustumena, advancing twelve key terminal and dock projects—such as the new Cascade Point Ferry Terminal north of Juneau, a Cold Bay dock replacement, and improvements to Prince William Sound terminal facilities—and continuing customer-service upgrades.
Those improvements include installing Wi-Fi across the fleet and deploying an upgraded maintenance management system that improves how the state ferry system schedules, tracks, and forecasts maintenance needs. Together, the tools are designed to reduce unplanned maintenance, improve service reliability, and keep vessels operating more consistently.
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We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.
And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.
Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!