The Alaska Marine Highway System ferry Malaspina will remain in Ketchikan after its sale to M/V Malaspina LLC.
M/V Malaspina LLC President John Binkley and the Ward Cove Group plan to use the retired vessel to bring attention to Ketchikan’s logging and maritime history.
The state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities announced the $128,250 sale on Wednesday afternoon.
The Malaspina was the first mainline vessel added to the AMHS fleet. It has been moored since 2019 due to repair costs and the vessel’s age.
The DOT information stated that it now could be used as “worker housing and a potential maritime museum, and hopefully a training platform for students working towards a career in the maritime industry.”
Binkley said in the statement, “The AMHS has a proud and significant history, we want to preserve and highlight that for both visitors and Alaskans alike.”
According to DOT, older vessels do not usually sell for large sums.
“The state was interested in seeing the Malaspina reach a dignified end to her career on the sea, and this arrangement helps to preserve her legacy,” according to DOT.
The ship is the fifth AMHS ship sold in the past 20 years.
DOT estimates that the state will save $425,000 each year through the sale.
Alaskans can comment on the vessel’s sale or share stories of the ship at the M/V Malaspina Engagement Hub.
Raegan Miller is a Report for America corps member for KRBD. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution at KRBD.org/donate.
