Guido Perla, Chairman of Guido Perla and Associates, announced the delivery of the M/V Stikine, a 197-ft. passenger-vehicle ferry, to Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA) for its new northern route between Prince of Wales Island’s Coffman Cove, Wrangell, and Petersburg terminals in Southeast Alaska.
“GPA provided the construction engineering for the first IFA ferry, M/V Prince of Wales in 2001, and, ultimately, was hired as the owners’ naval architect for the design development for the similar M/V Stikine. GPA continued to act as the owner’s representative throughout vessel construction at Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes, WA. The GPA team enhanced the ferry’s design by upgrading the passenger deck layout, and by adding a more powerful bow thruster and a third generator,” said Guido Perla. “I would like to commend Alex Loudon, GPA’s president, who took the reins as project manager and delivered a state-or-the-art passenger vessel for IFA.”
The $17 million “M/V Stikine” is licensed for 195 passengers and accommodates 33 standard sized vehicles. The vessel is 197’-6” long and 53’ wide, with a service speed of 15 knots. Its modern wheelhouse has enclosed bridge wings for improved operational conditions during docking and undocking. The vessel also includes a forward observation lounge with recliner chairs, reading room, a passenger quiet room, a full-service galley and restaurant, a children’s playroom, and a solarium.