MV Chilkat

M/V Chilkat
Career
Name: M/V Chilkat
Owner: Alaska Marine Highway System
Port of registry:  United States
Builder: J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Company[1]
Cost: $300,000[1]
Launched: 1957[1]
Decommissioned: 1988[2]
General characteristics
Length:99 ft (30 m)[1]
Ramps:Bow
Capacity:59 passengers
15 vehicles[1]

The M/V Chilkat was the first ferry purpose built for what was to become the Alaska Marine Highway. Originally built to serve the Lynn Canal out of Juneau, she was built with a bow ramp that allowed her 59 passengers and 15 vehicles to offload on an unimproved beach as well as a dock.[1]

History

In 1948, Chilkoot Motorship Lines provided ferry service between Haines and Juneau using the M/V Chilkoot, a surplus WWII landing craft. The line provided weekly service carrying up to 14 vehicles with limited passenger accommodations.[3] The cost of operating a single vessel proved too great for the company, and in 1951 they sold their assets to the Alaska Territorial Board of Road Commissioners,[1] who continued to run the Chilkoot.

The needs of the ferry service outgrew the Chilkoot, and the territorial government commissioned the construction of the Chilkat to replace her in 1957 [3] She became the first vessel of the Alaska Marine Highway when it was established in 1963.[4]

Island Scallops

In 2012, Chilkat was purchased by Island Scallops for use as a scallop tender. [5]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Kiffer, Dave (July 7, 2006). "THE GRAND SHIPS OF THE ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM". Sit News. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
  2. ↑ McKibben, Jackinsky (August 17, 2011). "After years of service, Chilkat's future uncertain". Homer News. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Alaska Marine Highway Celebrates 50 Years". http://milepost.com''. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
  4. ↑ "History of the Alaska Marine Highway". Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. State of Alaska. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
  5. ↑ Friedrich, Ed (Mar 8, 2013). "Scallop farmer thrilled to integrate former state ferry into operation". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved November 23, 2014.