Amhs M/V tustumena replacement vessel

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded $5.28 million to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities on August 1, 2025, under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205) to construct a replacement ocean-going ferry vessel for the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS). The new vessel will replace the M/V Tustumena and provide essential transportation services to coastal communities in South Central and Southeast Alaska. This project represents a critical infrastructure investment in Alaska's multimodal transportation network, which serves as the primary connectivity lifeline for over 30 coastal communities throughout the state.

The project deliverable is the design and construction of a full-replacement passenger and vehicle ferry vessel engineered to ocean-going class standards. As a state-administered transportation project under the Federal-aid Highway Program, the Alaska DOT&PF will oversee the vessel construction and engineering activities in accordance with applicable federal requirements under 23 CFR and 49 CFR. This capital infrastructure project supports the FHWA's broader mandate to improve and preserve transportation infrastructure, with particular relevance to Alaska's unique geographic context where marine transportation serves as essential infrastructure comparable to highway systems in other regions.

Project description

Construct a replacement ferry to service south central and southeast alaska coastal communities. Vessel will be ocean going class to replace the M/V tustumena.