The NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson has arrived at the Ketchikan Shipyard for a major modernization project, bringing nearly $100 million in federal vessel work to Southeast Alaska.

The $95.4 million contract was awarded to JAG Alaska Inc. in June 2025 and runs through Dec. 5, 2027. The project is one of two major NOAA vessel modernization contracts now supporting work at the Ketchikan facility, alongside a $99.6 million overhaul of the research vessel Henry B. Bigelow, which does research along the U.S. East Coast in the Northwest Atlantic.

Together, the contracts represent approximately $195 million in federal vessel work at the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA)-owned shipyard, which is operated by JAG Ketchikan LLC. Employment at the facility is expected to reach 200 workers by the end of 2026. JAG is a private operating company and subsidiary of JAG Marine Group.

“The arrival of NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson is another visible sign that the Ketchikan Shipyard is building momentum and competing for important federal maritime work,” AIDEA executive director Randy Ruaro said.

Commissioned in 2005, the Oscar Dyson plays a significant role in Alaska fisheries science, collecting data used to manage Alaska pollock, one of the world's largest commercial fisheries.

The overhaul includes replacing the ship’s propulsion system with variable-speed Tier 4 generators, installing quieter air-conditioning motors, and replacing pumps, fans, cranes, fire detection equipment, and radars. The project will also increase the number of single-person staterooms.

NOAA expects the vessel to return for the 2028 field season following the maintenance period. The agency says the improvements will increase fuel efficiency and operational safety while strengthening the vessel’s ability to conduct research in Alaska and Arctic waters.

To maintain research coverage while the Oscar Dyson is out of service, NOAA is modifying the Bell M. Shimada with polar life rafts, rescue boat heaters, and other equipment needed for operations in Alaska.

The Oscar Dyson project comes as the Ketchikan Shipyard expands its federal workload and workforce. AIDEA is also pursuing federal funding for a proposed third dry dock that could allow the facility to accommodate larger vessels, including icebreakers and Navy ships.

“JAG Ketchikan is focused on growing the shipyard’s capabilities, bringing more work to Alaska and building a trades workforce that can support long-term maritime demand,” JAG President and co-founder Doug Huff said.