DOWNLOAD THE MARINE LOG FEATURES CALENDAR FOR 2003

May 21, 2003 Alaska yard completes ferry upgrade ahead of schedule On May 11, 2003, Alaska Ship & Drydock, Inc. (ASD) completed a major, federal improvement project on the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) ferry M/V Malaspina five days early. The project schedule began November 8, 2002 and required ASD to be complete on May, 16, 2003. In a ceremony at the shipyard this week, AMHS General Manager Captain George Capacci presented a $17,500 check representing the maximum incentives earned by ASD for completing the work ahead of schedule. "We are all delighted that Malaspina has been completed on time, actually early, and in fine fashion by ASD.  We look forward to Malaspina's return to service for the busy summer season" stated Capacci. The work package for the M/V Malaspina includes federally funded improvements to lifesaving equipment and annual maintenance and overhaul work funded by the State. New lifesaving equipment included marine evacuation chutes, life rafts, and fast rescue boats with new davits. Annual maintenance and overhaul work included propulsion system inspection and repair, HVAC system cleaning, extensive internal tank cleaning and painting, new paint from keel to main deck, new non-skid coating on the boat deck. The project also included refurbishment of 73 passenger staterooms involving restoration of head and shower compartments and new deck coverings. Bids for this project were opened on October 8, 2002. ASD was the low bidder at $3.369 million with the next lowest bidder at $3.895 million providing the state with a savings of over $500,000. ASD's peak repair season begins in September and runs through June. ASD's peak employment for this winter's season is 73 workers. The M/V Malaspina supported an average, 31 workers over the period of performance. In the last three years ASD has performed six major federal aid projects for AMHS with a combined value of nearly $29 million. "ASD's workforce has developed the capacity to successfully perform high volume, complex ship refurbishment projects while maintaining high quality and safety standards required for passenger vessels," said Randy Johnson, President of ASD. ASD has operated the Ketchikan Shipyard by agreement with the state since 1994. The Ketchikan Shipyard is owned the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority. Tell a friend: