July 21, 2007
Saturday

Ketchikan, Alaska - The M/V Taku will returned to service Friday after the completion of a $6.6 million federal capital improvement project to replace its main propulsion shafting system, overhaul its engine and make numerous life safety and amenities improvements.

The Taku departed Todd Shipyard in Seattle on July 17 after the seven-month overhaul and refurbishment project was complete. It went to Bellingham for resupply and departed for Ketchikan on July 18. It is scheduled to resume revenue service on Friday when it leaves Ketchikan for Prince Rupert.

"With this major overhaul, we think we are going to extend the useful life of the Taku and deliver to the riders a ship that is more dependable because of the improvements we've made," said Capt. John Falvey, General Manager of the Alaska Marine Highway System. AMHS vessels generally go through these federal capital improvement projects about every three years, Falvey said.

As part of the overhaul and refurbishment, the Taku was fitted with new controllable pitch propeller system and propulsion control system modifications. It also underwent an overhaul of its main engines as well as several Safety of Life at Sea improvements and its hull was painted.

The cabin level deck recliners were installed and the TV lounge was renovated, modifications were made to the ships deck lounge and writing area to accommodate passengers with electronic devices as well as new flooring being installed on the ships deck stairways and passageways.

Source of News:

Alaska Department of Transportation
Alaska Marine Highway System
www.dot.state.ak.us

 

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