What are the benefits of a Navy prototype ending up as a Mat-Su ferry?
The Navy will collect data for five years of operations while the Mat-Su Borough operates the vessel in the harsh conditions of Cook Inlet. This gives the Navy real-world data and relieves the federal government of operational and maintenance costs as well as vessel storage and disposal costs that come with typical prototypes. The Navy will install and maintain a $2.5 million Science and Technology data gathering system in the E-Craft for this purpose. Typically, prototypes end up on the scrap heap. In this case, American taxpayers will receive a double value. This ship will lead a second life as a commercial ferry, transporting thousands of passengers to jobs and recreation. The Navy will receive scientific data on operations and maintenance, something they’ve never gotten before. The innovative business planning of this project has created a regional partnership that shares benefits with national defense strategies, domestic marine transportation needs, and regional economic developm
