The ferries Malaspina and Columbia are seen at the Ketchikan shipyard. (File photo by Ed Schoenfeld/CoastAlaska News)
With the expiration of their previous agreement, City of Ketchikan and Alaska Marine Highway System officials have drafted a new plan for the city to provide winter layup for ferries over the next three years.
The agreement for use of the downtown cruise dock’s Berth 3 is similar to previous moorage agreements dating back to 2010. Under the agreement, the state can dock any of its 11 ferries at the berth as needed, for a fee based on the size of the vessel.
The city will provide electricity at a metered rate, as well as emergency response services. The Alaska Marine Highway System will be responsible for keeping the ferries secure, maintained and staffed.
According to a memo from city Port and Harbors Director Steve Corporon, no more than one ferry can be tied up at the berth at one time because of their length. He writes that the Columbia is scheduled to winter in Ketchikan this year, between November and March.
The new agreement will be in front of the Ketchikan City Council on Thursday for ratification.
