Lituya Ferry: Operating History and the Evolution of Annette Island Transit
The Lituya serves as a vital maritime link in Southeast Alaska, facilitating the movement of people and vehicles between Metlakatla and Ketchikan. Since beginning its service in the spring of 2005, the vessel has played a central role in the regional infrastructure, adapting to changing logistics and supporting the community's connectivity goals.
Key Facts
- Service Start: Spring 2005, operating two roundtrips daily between Metlakatla and Ketchikan.
- Infrastructure: The 14.5-mile Walden Point Road was built over ten years, completing in 2007.
- Efficiency: A new $10 million terminal at Annette Bay reduced travel time to Ketchikan by half starting in July 2013.
- Financials: A 2020 study indicated the vessel requires an annual state subsidy of $370,000 to operate.
- Capacity: In 2006, the ferry transported 28,302 passengers and 7,554 vehicles.
The Development of Walden Point Road
The efficiency of the Lituya's service is deeply tied to the land-based infrastructure of Annette Island. As early as 1946, residents of Metlakatla sought to build a road to the north end of the island to reduce the sailing time required to reach Ketchikan.
In the early 1990s, discussions with state and federal authorities led to a partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD). The DoD integrated the project into its Innovative Readiness Training Program under the name "Operation Alaskan Road." This initiative served as a real-world exercise for military engineers and mechanics, simulating the challenging terrain of the Korean Peninsula.
Following a 1995 cost/benefit study commissioned by the state of Alaska, a memorandum of agreement was signed on May 29, 1997. Construction of the 14.5-mile Walden Point Road began that summer, connecting Metlakatla in the south to Annette Bay in the north. The project took ten years to complete, involved over 12,000 military personnel, and received $75 million in funding from the DoD alone. The road was officially dedicated in 2007.
Operational Milestones and Challenges
While generally reliable, the Lituya has faced occasional operational hurdles. On the night of January 30, 2009, the unmanned ship broke free from its moorings in Metlakatla during a storm with 80 mph gusts and 8-foot seas. The vessel drifted approximately one mile and ran aground on Scrub Island in Port Chester harbor.
Recovery efforts involved two tugs and the USCGC Anthony Petit. Although the hull remained largely intact, the ship suffered a small leak in a forward void and a coolant leak in the port keel cooler. Approximately 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel were spilled, likely via a tank vent during the grounding. The Lituya was subsequently towed to Ketchikan for repairs.
Beyond accidents, the Lituya has provided critical backup support for the region. In May and June 2020, the vessel was diverted from its normal schedule to cover the Hollis-Ketchikan route after the Inter-Island Ferry Authority's M/V Prince of Wales suffered a propulsion failure while the M/V Stikine was undergoing repairs. Conversely, Inter-Island Ferry Authority ships have filled in for the Lituya during its own maintenance periods.
Economic Impact and Service Logistics
The transition to the new $10 million ferry terminal at the end of Walden Point Road in July 2013 significantly optimized the route, cutting travel time to Ketchikan in half. To further streamline operations, fare policies were updated in January 2017; fares from Ketchikan to Annette Bay were doubled, while the return trip was made free. This change centralized ticket sales at the more developed Ketchikan terminal.
Financially, the Lituya is one of the more economical vessels in the Alaska Marine Highway System, which is a state-subsidized ferry network. Between 2007 and 2009, the average annual operating cost was $1,569,000. While a 2020 study found that the Lituya comes closest to breaking even compared to other vessels, it still relies on an annual subsidy of $370,000.
| Metric/Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| 2006 Passenger Volume | 28,302 passengers |
| 2006 Vehicle Volume | 7,554 vehicles |
| Avg. Annual Cost (2007-2009) | $1,569,000 |
| Annual State Subsidy (2020 study) | $370,000 |
| One-way Travel Time (Aug 2020) | Approx. 45 minutes |
| Standard Schedule (Aug 2020) | 2 round-trips/day, 5 days/week |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Walden Point Road project come to be?
The road was the result of a partnership between the Metlakatla Indian Community, the state of Alaska, and the U.S. Department of Defense. It was executed as "Operation Alaskan Road," a training exercise for military engineers to simulate rough conditions similar to the Korean Peninsula.
What happened during the 2009 grounding incident?
The Lituya broke loose from its moorings during a storm and ran aground on Scrub Island. While the hull remained intact, the incident resulted in a spill of approximately 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel and required assistance from two tugs and the USCGC Anthony Petit for refloating.
How has the travel time to Ketchikan been reduced?
Travel time was cut in half starting in July 2013 after the state of Alaska completed a new $10 million ferry terminal at the end of Walden Point Road, allowing for more efficient boarding and transit.
Is the Lituya ferry profitable?
The Lituya is not fully profitable but is one of the most economical ships in the Alaska Marine Highway System. According to a 2020 study, it requires an annual state subsidy of $370,000 to maintain operations.
Why are return trips from Annette Bay to Ketchikan free?
This policy was implemented in January 2017 to simplify fare collection. By doubling the fare for the trip to Annette Bay and making the return free, the system can process all ticket sales at the more developed Ketchikan terminal.