AMHS Shuttle Ferry Provides Exclusive Service

Coastwise Corporation completed the concept, design, engineering and construction support for the 181-foot ferry, M/V Lituya. Owned by the Alaska Marine Highway System, the Lituya is one of three shuttle ferries and the only shuttle ferry to provide service between Ketchikan and Metlakatla.

The M/V Lituya is a steel-hulled USCG inspected subchapter T passenger vessel certified to carry up to 125 passengers, 5 crew and 15 vehicles. The route between Ketchikan and Metlakatla often encounters rough water, therefore the Lituya was designed for operation in skim ice and zero-degree Fahrenheit conditions. For this project, Coastwise conducted the model testing for resistance, sea keeping, and survivability conditions for water on deck. The Lituya is powered by twin engines rated at 1,000 hp each and a 200 hp bow thruster completes the propulsion system.

Coastwise Corporation was selected for this effort based on our proven passenger vessels operating in Alaska and for our arctic environment steel vessels.