The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) has opened a statewide essay contest for students to propose a name for the vessel that will replace the MV Tustumena. The contest is open to all Alaska students in grades 6 through 12.
Entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. Alaska time on Monday, November 23, 2026.
The Tustumena has served communities along the Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak Island, the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands since 1964. DOT&PF awarded the construction contract for the replacement vessel on October 1, 2026.
Under AS 19.65.020, Alaska Marine Highway System maritime vessels must be named for Alaska glaciers, and vessel names must be established by law.