End of an Era: Alaska’s Oldest Ferry, Matanuska, Faces Retirement

 

Farewell to a Maritime Icon: The Retirement of Alaska’s Oldest Ferry, Matanuska

For more than six decades, the Matanuska has been a steadfast presence in Alaska’s waterways, connecting communities and carrying generations of travelers across the rugged coastlines. But now, the aging ferry faces an unavoidable fate—official retirement from service. According to officials with the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), repairing the vessel would cost millions, making it financially unfeasible to continue its operations.

A Vessel in Decline

The ferry’s troubles first surfaced during an overhaul two years ago, revealing significant structural deterioration. Surveys of the ship uncovered asbestos contamination in the crew quarters and widespread corrosion throughout the vessel. The most staggering revelation? The Matanuska would require 125,000 pounds of steel in repairs—a costly undertaking that proved too challenging to justify.

Operations Board Chair Wanetta Ayers recognized the weight of the decision. “It’s regrettable,” she said. “It will be a sad day when the Matanuska is no longer in the fleet.”

A Difficult Decision

During an April 25 meeting, the Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board formally recommended retiring Matanuska, citing financial constraints. The ship, originally launched in 1962, has weathered decades of harsh maritime conditions, proving its resilience and importance. However, as Craig Tornga, AMHS marine director, pointed out, securing the funding for repairs would interfere with new infrastructure projects vital to modernizing Alaska’s ferry system.

“Funding is tight,” Tornga explained, noting that pushing for resources to restore Matanuska could jeopardize long-term plans for new vessels.

The minimum estimated cost to return the ferry to service sits at $45 million, but the price skyrockets to $130 million if the vessel is to be certified for international travel. These figures make restoration an uphill battle, leading officials to opt for a future that prioritizes new ferry construction rather than maintaining aging ships.

The Legacy of Matanuska

Named after the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, the ferry has transported countless passengers and goods, offering Alaskans a vital link between coastal communities. For many, the retirement of Matanuska signifies more than just the end of an era—it represents the gradual transition away from traditional maritime icons toward more modern and efficient transportation solutions.

Yet, Matanuska’s legacy lives on. The vessel has carried memories, laughter, and stories—becoming a thread woven into the fabric of Alaska’s marine history. Passengers who once gazed at the state’s breathtaking landscapes from the ferry’s decks now find themselves reminiscing about trips taken aboard its sturdy frame.

What’s Next for Alaska’s Ferry System?

With Matanuska’s exit, Alaska’s ferry system faces a crossroads. AMHS continues to push forward with a long-range plan that focuses on new vessel construction, ensuring that rural and urban communities remain connected. The question remains: will these newer ferries preserve the sense of adventure and nostalgia that Matanuska once embodied?

For now, Alaska bids farewell to a ship that has served faithfully, carrying people across the tides of time. Though Matanuska may no longer navigate the waters, it will forever remain anchored in the stories of those who sailed with it.