AMHS Ferry's Return Delayed Further

The FVF Fairweather, which was earlier expected to return to service in June, will be delayed until at least July 1, Alaska Marine Highway officials said Monday. The Fairweather went to Ketchikan for a scheduled overhaul in January when workers found damage to its four diesel engines. Later investigation also found damage to two reduction gears, which was expected to delay the return of the Fairweather to revenue service some time after June 1. More recently, further investigation has identified more damage to components on all four-reduction gears. The engine and reduction gear manufacturers have been working with the shipbuilder, Derecktor Shipyards to determine the reason for the mechanical difficulties. The ship is scheduled to receive new parts and undergo sea trials beginning June 21. The AMHS is attempting to identify possible alternatives to service by the Fairweather, and will make that announcement at a later date.