October 22, 2021
Dear Span Alaska Customer,
A major winter storm system has developed in the Gulf of Alaska bringing with it hurricane-force winds and heavy seas. The severe weather conditions have affected the sailing schedules of all the vessels between Alaska and Washington State.
The Matson Kodiak 196N departed Tacoma at 0712 hrs. on Thursday with an estimated arrival in Anchorage on Sunday, Oct. 24. Cargo availability from this vessel is estimated for 2100 Sunday. As a result of this delay MKD 196S will bypass Kodiak and return directly to Tacoma. Cargo for Kodiak will be discharged in Anchorage and relayed to MLE163N.
The Matson Maunalei is also delayed on its return to Tacoma and is expected to arrive Saturday morning. Matson will begin cargo operations immediately on arrival, with a planned departure on Saturday night and an ETA Anchorage Wednesday morning, October 27. MLE163S will call on Kodiak on Thursday, October 28, but will bypass Dutch Harbor and return to Tacoma from Kodiak.
Due to these conditions, we anticipate a 24-hour delay to most deliveries next week. If there are changes to this schedule, we will provide another update.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by these delays. If you have any questions, please contact your Account Executive or a Customer Service team member at one of the following locations:
• Auburn, Southeast Alaska: 800-857-7726
• Anchorage, Kenai, Wasilla: 907-349-3606
• Fairbanks: 907-451-1184
• Kodiak: 907-486-8501
Thank you for your understanding.
Chuck Onstott
Vice President of Operations