The MV Matanuska’s Jan. 24 sailing to Bellingham, Washington, is canceled, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities announced. Officials expect the ferry to return to service on Jan. 31, 2022.

The ferry, which serves Bellingham, Juneau, Haines and Skagway among other communities, is undergoing repairs in the Ketchikan Shipyard, according to the department of transportation. Welders in the shipyard worked extended hours to replace and repair damaged steel on the 58-year-old Matanuska, according to the department, but the extent of additional repairs and vendor delays have extended the time the ferry is out of service.

Passengers can rebook on a later sailing or seek alternative arrangements to reach their destinations, according to the department. Alaska Marine Highway System reservation staff will be reaching out to affected passengers to provide assistance.

Sailings from Haines to Skagway are also affected by the work, and AMHS is seeking other options for those sailings, according to the department. Those options include crewing the MV Tazlina to provide service to Northern Lynn Canal and other communities. More information will be forthcoming, according to the department.

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