Fairweather Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On June 25, 2021, the decommissioned Alaska Marine Highway ferries, 'HSC Chenega' and 'Fairweather', embarked on a voyage to Spain from Ketchikan’s Ward Cove. The two vessels were towed by two Amak tugs onto the heavy-lift ship 'Red Zed 1', which had docked in Ketchikan in April. Originally costing the state $68 million to construct, these fast ferries gained popularity due to their speed. However, high fuel consumption, maintenance needs, and performance challenges in rough waters led to their retirement after a decade of service to Alaskan communities. The state of Alaska secured a deal worth $5.1 million for the ferries through a sealed-bid auction with Trasmapi, a Spanish company that operates catamarans to Ibiza in the Mediterranean Sea. The 'Red Zed 1' will transport them to the Atlantic Ocean via the Panama Canal and the Strait of Gibraltar. For further details and photos, visit: https://www.ktoo.org/2021/06/26/former-alaska-ferries-begin-journey-to-spain/

The Alaska Marine Highway's former high-speed ferries, 'Fairweather' and 'Chenega', are making headlines as they prepare for an international voyage to Spain. These vessels have recently been sold to the Spanish ferry company Trasmapi for $5.1 million and will embark on their journey via the Panama Canal aboard the heavy-lift ship 'Red Zed 1'. Since early April, the 'Red Zed 1' has been stationed just outside Ketchikan's Ward Cove, awaiting the loading process. On June 25, around 1 a.m., the dock ship will begin to submerge into the waters of Tongass Narrows. The loading of the two ferries is planned to take place between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., with an anticipated departure from the Ketchikan vicinity soon after. The state of Alaska removed the 'Chenega' from service in 2015, followed by the 'Fairweather' in 2019. After a lack of interest from potential state buyers and municipalities, these ferries were auctioned off in January with only one bid received — from Trasmapi, sealing the deal in March. Upon arrival in Spain, the ferries are expected to facilitate transport for passengers traveling to and from the scenic island of Ibiza.

The maritime operations in Alaska are facing disruptions as both the 'Columbia' and the 'HSC Fairweather' ferries experience technical difficulties necessitating drydock repairs. The 'Fairweather' had to cancel its scheduled sailings on September 16, 2016, due to an unspecified mechanical problem. Meanwhile, a recent inspection of the 'Columbia' revealed damage to its starboard propeller, prompting the decision to undertake repairs in drydock in Ketchikan. The 'Columbia' will continue operating a revised schedule until September 27, after which it will enter drydock. The vessel is anticipated to resume its normal sailing schedule on October 5, departing from Ketchikan to Bellingham, Washington.