MARAD to sell off two Hawaiian superferries in Norfolk

Take a good look at the two Hawaiian superferries docked at Lamberts Point.

They may not be there much longer.

The U.S. Maritime Administration is selling the Alakai and the Huakai on an “as is, where is” basis, according to a June 20 notice in the Federal Register.

The administration took possession of the ferries in July 2009 after a bankruptcy judge ruled that the owner – Hawaii Superferry Inc. – could abandon them to lenders, owed nearly $159 million. The administration, which guaranteed the loans, moved them to Norfolk.

Capable of cruising at 35 knots, the ferries are between 320 and 340 feet long and can carry 836 passengers and 282 cars. Interested bidders should be prepared to buy both – the vessels will be sold separately only if they can be sold at the same time, according to the notice. Also required: cash or owner-procured financing, plus a $500,000 nonrefundable deposit for each ferry. Bids are due before 5 p.m. July 20.

This is not a fire sale. The Maritime Administration “reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to seek additional bids from the bidders and any other interested parties.”

– Robert McCabe, The Pilot

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