Oil Patch Bits: Vigor Alaska signs notice of intent to build ferries

Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell announced the selection of Vigor Alaska to build the state’s two newest day ferries. The two ferries, owned and operated by Alaska Marine Highway System, will be built by Alaskans for Alaska to serve citizens along the Lynn Canal route between Juneau, Haines and Skagway.

Construction of both vessels is scheduled to begin in October 2014 and will take approximately four years to complete. The design and estimating process was a true collaboration between Vigor Alaska, the Alaska Department of Transportation, the Alaska Marine Highway System and Elliot Bay Design Group.

The two day ferries will cost $101 million to construct, which is a reduction in the original price. Because of the importance of keeping Alaska dollars in the state, Vigor Alaska made significant cuts to the initial estimates for the project and, in fact, delivered a price that was below the independent government price estimate.

“This project represents far more than a contract,” said Adam Beck, president of Vigor Alaska. “It is a dramatic step forward in realizing the shared goal of the people of Alaska, its elected officials and the shipyard to keep taxpayer dollars in the state and support family-wage jobs. The Vigor Alaska team represents the best shipbuilders in the state with the expertise to build complex vessels and the dedication to do it to the highest quality standards.”