The U.S. Maritime Administration is expected to decide in the near future on a winning bidder for the two former Hawaii Superferry vessels, which had a short-lived operation in Hawaii waters.
The Alakai and Huakai have been docked at Lambert’s Point in Norfolk, Va., since the U.S. Maritime Administration took possession of them more than two years ago.
A bankruptcy judge ruled in 2009 that owner Hawaii Superferry Inc. could abandon the vessels to lenders, who were owed $159 million.
The Maritime Administration, which guaranteed the loans, has received four bids, including one reportedly from the Navy, according to the The Virginian-Pilot newspaper of Norfolk, Va.
"We do anticipate a decision soon," said Maritime Administration spokeswoman Kim Riddle. "We’re still reviewing the bids."
Riddle said the agency’s goal is to recover the federal money.
The superferries, ranging in length from 320 to 340 feet, have a cruising speed of 35 knots and can carry 836 passengers and 282 cars.
Hawaii Superferry operated between Oahu and Maui from December 2007 to March 2009. The operation encountered resistance from some residents and eventually the state courts, which ruled that the project lacked adequate environmental review.
Not even support from Republican then-Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle or a state legislative exemption could hasten the ferry’s approval.
The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled in March 2009 that an environmental exemption given to the Hawaii Superferry by the state Legislature was unconstitutional because it provided special legislation for a specific business.
The decision led to the shutdown of the Hawaii Superferry operations between Honolulu and Maui and the layoff of about 250 workers.