North Star

The North Star, one of the company’s two cargo ships that runs regularly on the Tacoma-to-Anchorage route, did not leave Washington state as scheduled on Jan. 14 after a mechanical issue was discovered.

From an article titled ‘Delay continues for Alaska-bound cargo ship’ in the Alaska Dispatch News:

A Tote Maritime Alaska ship that was supposed to depart from Tacoma for Anchorage nearly two weeks ago won’t return to service as anticipated on Wednesday.

A company official said last week that repairs were expected to be completed early this week. The North Star’s next voyage was scheduled for Jan. 27, but now that date has been pushed back again to an unspecified time.

The company said on its website Tuesday that “test results during dock trials conclude that repairs to the North Star will be extended.”

Tote is evaluating the next departure date for the North Star and said it will provide updates as they become available.

Most Fred Meyer locations across Alaska were affected by the delay last week, said company spokeswoman Melinda Merrill. But Fred Meyer learned of the extended delay early enough this week to load its groceries onto a Matson ship instead.

More at the Alaska Dispatch News