MV Chilkat
M/V Chilkat
| |
History | |
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Name | 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 |
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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]
Role
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Amenities
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Ebay Sale
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Island Scallops
In 2012, Chilkat was purchased by Island Scallops for use as a scallop tender. [5]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Kiffer, Dave (July 7, 2006). "THE GRAND SHIPS OF THE ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM". Sit News. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
- ^ McKibben, Jackinsky (August 17, 2011). "After years of service, Chilkat's future uncertain". Homer News. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
- ^ a b "Alaska Marine Highway Celebrates 50 Years". milepost.com. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
- ^ "History of the Alaska Marine Highway". Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. State of Alaska. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
- ^ Friedrich, Ed (Mar 8, 2013). "Scallop farmer thrilled to integrate former state ferry into operation". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved November 23, 2014.