Routes & Operators
Columbia’s replacement piston lands in Ketchikan
The Alaska Marine Highway System said on 10 November 2026 that Columbia’s replacement piston had landed in Ketchikan. Installation and safety testing are expected to take approximately 8 hours. If that goes as planned, the ship is scheduled to depart Ketchikan northbound on 11 November at 4:45 AM.
Source: Alaska Marine Highway System (opens in a new tab)
The Alaska Marine Highway System posted a service notice on 10 November 2026 with an update on M/V Columbia, in Ketchikan for repairs to its port main engine. The replacement piston officially departed Seattle aboard Alaska Airlines at 2:18 PM and was scheduled to arrive at Ketchikan International Airport at 3:22 PM that day, Tuesday, 10 November. Landing was subject to localized high wind conditions in Ketchikan. The notice then said the part had officially safely landed in Ketchikan.
Once the piston is delivered aboard the ship, engineering crews will begin installation. The repair process and safety testing are expected to take approximately 8 hours. If arrival and installation go as planned, Columbia is scheduled to depart Ketchikan northbound on Wednesday, 11 November, at 4:45 AM. The system thanked Alaska Airlines for their help.