MV Malaspina Alaska's Maritime Heritage

The MV Malaspina played a significant role in preserving Alaska's maritime heritage. Its discovery in 2019 brought a piece of history back to the surface.

The ship was built in 1923 and served as a cargo vessel for many years, transporting goods and supplies to remote communities in Alaska. It was a vital part of the region's economy and way of life.

The MV Malaspina's legacy is a testament to the importance of preserving our maritime history. Its story serves as a reminder of the significance of the ships that played a crucial role in the development of Alaska.

The MV Malaspina is a mainline ROPAX ferry that serves the Inside Passage communities of Alaska. It's nearly identical to her sister ship, MV Matanuska.

Malaspina was launched in 1963 at the Lockheed Shipbuilding yards in Seattle, Washington. She was later elongated in 1972 at the Willamette Iron and Steel Company in Portland, Oregon.

The ferry has a displacement of 5,552 long tons and a length of 408 feet. It has a beam of 74 feet and a draft of 16 feet 9.96 inches.

Additional reading: Powell River-class Ferry

The MV Malaspina was a research vessel that played a significant role in the history of the Canadian Coast Guard.

Built in 1969, the ship was originally designed for the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

It was 57 meters long and had a gross tonnage of 1,140 tons, making it a sturdy vessel for its time.

The Malaspina was equipped with a range of scientific equipment, including a crane and a winch, which allowed it to conduct various types of research at sea.

The ship was also used for icebreaking and search and rescue operations, showcasing its versatility and capabilities.

In 2011, the Malaspina was decommissioned and sold for scrap, marking the end of its service with the Canadian Coast Guard.

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The MV Malaspina was a significant vessel in the Canadian Coast Guard's fleet, playing a crucial role in search and rescue operations, marine environmental response, and other tasks.

Its importance cannot be overstated, as it was the largest vessel in the fleet at the time, with a length of 96 meters and a beam of 18 meters.

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The Malaspina was also equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems, making it an invaluable asset for coastal protection and emergency response.

Its presence helped to maintain the safety and security of Canada's coastlines, a vital function that cannot be overstated.

The Malaspina was involved in numerous high-profile operations, including the cleanup of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, showcasing its capabilities and importance in real-world scenarios.

Its crew and personnel underwent rigorous training to prepare for a range of emergency situations, ensuring the vessel was always ready to respond.

The MV Malaspina is a historic ferry that has been serving Alaska's Marine Highway System for 50 years. It's amazing to think that this ferry has been in operation since 1963.

The Malaspina is currently undergoing an $8 million makeover at the Vigor Shipyard in Portland, Oregon. This refurbishment includes more than just fresh paint, with work being done on electronics, mechanics, murals, and flooring to give the ferry a thorough overhaul while retaining its vintage look.

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You can travel from Bellingham to Ketchikan on the Malaspina for $239, which is a 38-hour journey. If you want to bring a bicycle, it's $38 more, and if you have a Subaru, it's $515 more.

The Malaspina has been a day boat, moving people and vehicles between Skagway, Haines, and Juneau. This summer, it will return to that route until September 6, when it will take over the Bellingham-Skagway run.

The Malaspina has been lengthened to 408 feet at Willamette Iron and Steel in 1972, which was a cost-effective way for the state of Alaska to keep the ferry in service rather than ordering a new ship.