Shipbuilder submits bid to replace an iconic but aged Alaska state ferry

A Louisiana-based shipbuilder has put forward a $350 million bid to construct a new vessel to replace the venerable Tustumena, a 62-year-old ferry that's been a mainstay in Alaska's state ferry system. This move comes as the Tustumena, one of only two ocean-going ferries, nears the end of its service life. The bid from Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors underscores the importance of maintaining reliable transportation links in Alaska, especially given the state's vast and often remote areas. This potential replacement could set a new standard for ferry operations in the region.