Wrangell Sentinel -

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - A state court has approved the purchase of Northland Marine Services by its shipping competitor, Alaska Marine Lines.

Anchorage Superior Court Judge Andrew Guidi approved the deal this week after the close of a 60-day comment period which saw no objections.

Lynden Inc., which operates Alaska Marine Lines, and Northland Marine Services are the only marine companies delivering cargo in southeast Alaska, creating fears a monopoly would be created.

One of the conditions proposed by the state of Alaska for the purchase is allowing Sitka-based Samson Tug and Barge to leas...