Cruise Dock Dispute: Alaska Partners Battle

0:00Stay informed in two minutes or less with Anchorage News today from the Daily News Now. A business dispute is heating up over the Ward Cove Dock Group, the company behind the popular cruise ship Dock and Welcome Center near Ketchikan, Alaska. Power systems and supplies of Alaska, based in Ketchikan, filed a lawsuit on March 6 against its Fairbanks partner, Godspeed Incorporated, and Vice President John Binkley. The two companies are 50-50 owners of the group, which built the Dock in 2020 and opened it to ships starting in 2021. The partnership started back in 2019 when local owner Dave Spokley teamed up with Binkley, who has deep ties to Alaska's cruise industry. They turned part of an old pulp mill into a visitor hub, with help from lines like Norwegian cruise lines. But now, power systems claims Godspeed broke their operating agreement by letting Binkley take full control as chief executive officer without board. Approval or their input, especially during Spokley's health struggles.

1:03Neither Godspeed nor Binkley has responded in courier, and their lawyers say they can't comment on the ongoing case. Power systems hopes for a quick fix and wants a neutral receiver to oversee a sale of the business as they go in concern. To protect jobs and the community, cruise operators like Norwegian are staying silent too. Earlier this week, a judge denied power systems request for a temporary restraining order and fast track review. No hearings are scheduled so far, and the suit doesn't mention any disruption to cruise operations. Meanwhile, the Dock is set for a banner year in 2026, with eight lines bringing over 400,000 passengers. The power systems insist the fight won-effect visitors, but the outcome could reshape this key tourism spot. We'd like to thank our sponsor for making this episode possible. You know it is better than earbuds in bed? No earbuds at all. S-O-L-L-I, solelypillow.com.