The Arctic Prowler, the first large
commercial fishing vessel built in Alaska, was christened Oct. 5 during an
afternoon ceremony at Alaska Ship & Drydock in Ketchikan. The ship is the
first vessel to be constructed in the Ketchikan Shipyard’s new 70,000-square
foot assembly and production hall.
“Not only is the Arctic Prowler the first vessel to
be built in the new Ship Assembly Hall, it is also the first factory longliner
made in Alaska,” Adam Beck, President of Alaska Ship & Drydock, said.
The new vessel has 16,300 cubic feet of freezer space and the
ability to both catch and process at sea, and the capability of fishing 56,000
hooks per day. It was designed and built with an emphasis on economic use of
space, allowing room for fishing and factory equipment.
“As an Alaska-based company with significant Alaskan
ownership, it is fitting that this vessel was built in Alaska, by Alaskans,”
Larry Cotter, President of Alaska Longline and Chief Executive Officer of
Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association, said.
The sponsor for the christening of Arctic Prowler was Stella
LeeAnne Asplund, granddaughter of John Winther, a leader in the Alaska fishing
industry who spearheaded the planning and commitment to construct the Arctic
Prowler in Alaska at the Ketchikan Shipyard, and was present during the start
of the vessel's construction just prior to his passing in October, 2012.
“John would have been proud of his decision to build the Arctic
Prowler in Alaska,” Bert Winther, John Winther’s widow, said. “He loved
Alaska, Alaskans, and fishing boats, now he has the first ‘made in Alaska’
fishing boat.”
