History of AMHS

The story of the Alaska Marine Highway System starts with three men who had a dream to provide dependable marine transportation between Alaska's coastal communities. That dream expanded to become the only marine route recognized as a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road. The system currently extends across 3,500 miles of scenic coastline and provides service to over 30 communities, each with their own unique intrinsic qualities.

The mission of the Alaska Marine Highway System is to provide safe, reliable, and efficient transportation of people, goods and vehicles among Alaska communities, Canada and the 'Lower 48', while providing opportunities to develop and maintain a reasonable standard of living and high quality of life, including social, education and health needs.

The Founding Years: 1948 - 1962

MV Chilkoot (+)

Territory Purchases Business (+)

MV Chilkat (+)

The Beginning of AMHS: 1963 - 1964

MV Malaspina, MV Taku & MV Matanuska

First Port Calls (+)

MV Tustumena (+)

Adding South Central & Southwest Alaska (+)

Expansion: 1965 — 1973

Expanding South (+)

Expanding North (+)

MV Wickersham (+)

MV E.L. Bartlett

Lengthening Vessels (+)

Increased Capacity & Additional Ports: 1974 - 1989

MV LeConte, MV Columbia & MV Aurora (+)

New Southeast Ports & Aleutian Chain Run (+)

MV Chilkat Sold (+)

New Southern Terminus (+)

National Acclaim: 1990 - 2012

MV Kennicott (+)

National Scenic Byway & All-American Road

MV E.L. Bartlett Sold (+)

MV Lituya, FVF Fairweather & FVF Chenega (+)

Additional Ports (+)

50 Years & Counting: 2013 - 2018

Celebrating 50 Years (+)

In the Spotlight (+)

Alaska Class Ferries (+)

MV Taku Sold (+)

MV Tazlina Christened (+)

Resizing the Fleet 2019 - 2022

FVF’s Fairweather & Chenega Sold (+)

Tustumena Replacement Vessel Design Phase (+)

MV Hubbard Crew Quarters Progress (+)

MV Malaspina Officially Retiring to Ketchikan (+)