A group of CoastAlaska reporters recently toured the Ketchikan Shipyard operated by Vigor Alaska. The tour included Alaska Marine Highway System ferries undergoing maintenance. Here’s a look at what goes on behind the scenes and under ships in drydock.
All photos by Heather Bryant.
The Kennicott and Chenega ferries at the Ketchikan Shipyard. The Ketchikan Shipyard is operated by Vigor Alaska.
The AMHS ferries are serviced at the Ketchikan Shipyard.
The M/V Matanuska sits in drydock for maintenance. The ship has been in service since 1963.
The M/V Chenega undergoes repairs in drydock at the Ketchikan Shipyard earlier this year. (Photo by Heather Bryant/KTOO)
Shipyard workers clean the deck in preparation for lowering the Matanuska into the water.
A close-up look at one of the Matanuska's two propellers.
Here's a view few people get to see. The bottom of the Matanuska ferry.
The two massive propellers push the 408 foot long Matanuska along at 16.5 knots.
A worker repairing damage to the stack on the M/V Kennicott.
The Kennicott is also an oil-spill response ship. It is the only Alaska ferry with a helicopter landing pad.
The Kennicott's car deck.
Engineer shenanigans. How do you keep other people from taking your favorite tool? Put it in a crate stamped top secret.
One of the Kennicott's two 6,69HP Wartsilla 32E diesel engines
Ferries have to function like small cities, which includes the ability to fight fires.
The Matanuska being lowered into the water.
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