Columbia ferry will miss at least a week of service due to engine trouble

Ship stopped in Ketchikan for repairs; revised schedule calls for it to depart on Sunday and resume normal sailing between Washington and Southeast Alaska

The Columbia state ferry is scheduled to remain in Ketchikan until at least Sunday due to an engine malfunction, according to the Alaska Marine Highway System. (Screenshot from Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities video)

By Mark Sabbatini

Juneau Independent

The Columbia state ferry is stuck in Ketchikan due to problems with its port main engine, with repairs expected later this week and resumption of service planned beginning next Sunday, Nov. 8, the Alaska Marine Highway System announced Monday.

The ferry reached Ketchikan on Sunday, after a short-term delay in its schedule was initially announced as engineers assessed the engine.

"Following technical inspection, replacement engine components (a cylinder liner and piston) are required," a service notice posted on the ferry system’s website states. "AMHS has secured the necessary spare parts, and a specialized Wärtsilä technician will be in Ketchikan on Thursday to perform the repairs alongside our engineering crew."

"Resuming service on Sunday will place the vessel back on its standard northbound schedule, covering all scheduled ports of call going forward," the announcement adds.

The 52-year-old Columbia returned to providing mainline service between Bellingham, Washington, and Southeast Alaska in June after a seven-month layup period for maintenance. It has suffered two breakdowns during the past two weeks, with the previous one occurring last week when it departed Bellingham more than a day late due to engine trouble and skipped some Southeast Alaska stops as a result.

Monday’s AMHS announcement stated people already aboard the Columbia can remain there while repairs are occurring this week.

"For passengers choosing to disembark and make alternative travel arrangements (such as flights home), the Ketchikan Terminal staff will process ticket reimbursements and coordinate arrangements for unaccompanied vehicles left in our care," the announcement adds.

• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.