Tustumena Ferry Replacement Finally Awarded | Anchorage News

After years of delays, Alaska’s long-sought Tustumena ferry replacement is finally underway — with Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, a Louisiana shipbuilder, winning the nearly $350 million bid. The 62-year-old Tustumena, the state’s oldest and only ferry serving the Aleutian Chain, is nearing retirement, and this new vessel will reconnect vital communities. The “Buy America” rule and competition from other federal projects stalled earlier bids, but Thoma-Sea — with 35 years of experience and a recent similar-sized build — is now poised to deliver. Final paperwork is due in 14 days, followed by an audit, with construction set to wrap by 2029 — a major win for Alaska’s Marine Highway System. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d30220ff476365a8