The M/V Tustumena ferry vessel will return to Seward this summer after extensive upgrades, according to a press release from the state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.

The ship is set to return to service on July 15, about 15 days later than originally planned for, the release said. Meanwhile, the M/V Kennicott will cover the majority of the Tustumena’s routes and passengers.

The vessel is undergoing upgrades of passenger and vehicle elevators, steelwork, superstructure coating, bridge deck surfaces, and interior engineering systems at Seward’s JAG shipyard, the press release said.

Vigor Alaska awarded $9.4 million to the shipyard for the upgrades to the Tustumena in December, KRBD radio in Ketchikan reported.

According to the press release, the Alaska Marine Highway System staff are contacting passengers with Tustumena tickets to reschedule their voyages.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.