New TUSTUMENA © AMHS

Thoma-Sea wins contract for TUSTUMENA replacement

FerryThe Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has awarded the construction contract for the TUSTUMENA replacement vessel to Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors in Louisiana, the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) says on its project page. Thoma-Sea was named apparent low bidder at USD 350 million in July. After clearing the Federal Transit Administration's Buy America audit, the project can now move into detailed design and construction.

The new ship will be 101 metres long and 22.8 metres wide, with a design draught of 5 metres and a service speed of 15 knots. She will carry 250 passengers, with berths for 124, and 58 cars, or 14 vans and 26 cars, on 366 lane metres. Vehicles will be loaded over the stern and both sides and by a vehicle lift. The ship will be built to USCG and SOLAS ocean rules and classed by ABS.

TUSTUMENA was built in 1964 and is one of two ocean-class ships in the AMHS fleet, and the only one able to serve all 13 ports between Homer and Unalaska. AMHS has opened an essay contest for Alaska students to propose a name for the new ship.

nov 09 2026