M/V Tazlina will sail Northern Panhandle route during January and February 2023
December 7th, 2022
The M/V Tazlina will provide service in January
and February 2023, and bookings are now available
for communities including Angoon, Gustavus, Hoonah, Juneau, Haines, and
Skagway. The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) will operate the Tazlina four
days each week between January 12 and February 26, while the M/V LeConte is
offline for its annual overhaul and recertification.
"We are crewing up the Tazlina to cover the January and February Service
Gap," said Ryan Anderson, DOT&PF Commissioner. "AMHS staff
continues to make a tremendous effort to keep ships running, meeting Alaskans'
needs for medical appointments and grocery runs, as well as maintaining the
vital connection to the North American highway system.”
“Having the Tazlina operating as a standby ship to cover winter service gaps is
exactly what our Northern Panhandle communities have been asking for,” said
Governor Mike Dunleavy. “Thanks to the men and women at the Alaska Marine
Highway for enabling the system to be resilient and adaptable when the need
requires it.”
The Tazlina has been in layup as a standby ship, as continued labor market
shortages prevented AMHS from scheduling the vessel for service this winter.
Due in part to an aggressive recruitment program, AMHS will bring the Tazlina
online for sailings beginning Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023. The historical traffic
in the Northern Panhandle and the availability of the Tazlina allowed for
additional service once AMHS secured the necessary crew to provide these additional
sailings. DOT&PF continues to explore supplemental service options in other
areas of the state to respond to the needs of coastal communities served by the
system.