MV Chilkat

M/V_Chilkat M/V Chilkat
History
Name:	M/V Chilkat
Owner:	Alaska Marine Highway System
Port of registry:	United States
Builder:	J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Company
Cost:	$300,000
Launched:	1957
Decommissioned:	1988
General characteristics
Length:	99 ft (30 m)
Ramps:	Bow
Capacity:	59 passengers 15 vehicles

The M/V Chilkat was the first ferry purpose built for what was to become the Alaska Marine Highway. Originally built to serve the Lynn Canal out of Juneau, she was built with a bow ramp that allowed her 59 passengers and 15 vehicles to offload on an unimproved beach as well as a dock.

History

In 1948, Chilkoot Motorship Lines provided ferry service between Haines and Juneau using the M/V Chilkoot, a surplus WWII landing craft. The line provided weekly service carrying up to 14 vehicles with limited passenger accommodations. The cost of operating a single vessel proved too great for the company, and in 1951 they sold their assets to the Alaska Territorial Board of Road Commissioners, who continued to run the Chilkoot.

The needs of the ferry service outgrew the Chilkoot, and the territorial government commissioned the construction of the Chilkat to replace her in 1957 She became the first vessel of the Alaska Marine Highway when it was established in 1963.

Island Scallops

In 2012, Chilkat was purchased by Island Scallops for use as a scallop tender.