Alaskan Ferry Repower Completed

Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG), a naval architecture and marine engineering firm with offices in Seattle, New Orleans and Ketchikan, Alaska, today announced the completion of the M/V Columbia repower. EBDG provided design services and ongoing owner support services for the ferry's repower, which was performed by Vigor Marine in Portland, Ore.

"The Columbia was designed for the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) by EBDG's predecessor firm, so we're intimately familiar with the vessel and its systems," said EBDG Project Manager Matt Williamson. "The main engines were at the end of their useful life and the AMHS opted for replacing them, along with replacing or upgrading drive train components and auxiliary systems where it made economic sense. Replacing the main engines is a significant undertaking in the life a vessel. EBDG's strong familiarity with the Columbia made us the natural choice as the designer for this repowering project."

For nearly 40 years the Columbia has been the Alaska Marine Highway System's flagship vessel, linking a number of inside passage communities. The 418-foot vessel accommodates 625 passengers and features two vehicle decks with capacity for 134 vehicles.

In addition to its support of the Columbia, EBDG has a long history of assisting ferry operators with an array of services, such as transportation studies, concept designs, capital budgets, security improvements and mid-life refurbishments.

ebdg.com