The bid opening marks the first major AMHS newbuilding procurement in more than a decade and a key step in the operator's 2045 Long-Range Plan, which identified replacement of the ageing TUSTUMENA as one of the system's highest priorities for reliability and continued service to coastal communities. Under Alaska's procurement rules, the yard now has a 14-day window to submit remaining documentation; once reviewed and validated, DOT&PF will proceed with a formal Intention to Award.

Governor Mike Dunleavy called the milestone one of the largest investments ever made in the Alaska Marine Highway System, while DOT&PF Commissioner Ryan Anderson said the design had been shaped by input from the operator's captains, engineers and terminal and shoreside staff, producing a vessel tailored to Alaska's demanding operating environment and the challenges of serving the Aleutian Chain.

The new ship will replace TUSTUMENA, which entered service in 1964 and has served Alaska for more than six decades. The vessel currently links Homer, Seldovia, Kodiak, Old Harbor, Ouzinkie, Chignik, Sand Point, King Cove, Cold Bay, False Pass, Akutan and Unalaska (Dutch Harbor), carrying passengers, vehicles and freight across Southcentral Alaska, the Alaska Peninsula and the eastern Aleutians.

Founded in 1990, Thoma-Sea operates more than 48 hectares of Gulf Coast facilities with over 1 400 m of waterfront, five dry docks and extensive fabrication capacity. The yard recently delivered the fisheries research vessel ARCTIC FJORD, now operating in Alaska. Craig Tornga, Marine Director for AMHS, said the replacement would bring improved reliability, enhanced safety, greater operational flexibility and modern, efficient systems.

© Shippax

1964-built TUSTUMENA, to be replaced © AMHS