Foss Maritime is building a new ocean-going barge that is
expected to give the company an additional asset to transport large modules
both domestically and internationally.
Construction of a Jones Act-qualified, 360-foot long by 120-foot
wide by 20-foot deep barge is expected to begin soon in the Portland, Oregon
shipyard of Gunderson Marine, Foss said March 17.
“This barge will further connect us to the shallow draft
regions of the Arctic,” Foss’ president of global services, Gary Faber, said.
“It allows us to move modules and cargo, more safely, almost anywhere in the
world; which adds tremendous value to our existing fleet.”
Foss says the barge will likely be towed from South Korea by
the first of three Arctic-class tugs being constructed at the company’s
Rainier, Oregon shipyard.
Delivery is expected in late 2014, and the vessel’s
anticipated maiden voyage from South Korea to Alaska’s North Slope is planned
to take place in early 2015, when the company performs a second sealift of oil
and gas infrastructure to the North Slope’s Point Thomson.
“With increased activity on the North Slope we continue to
add to our Alaska capabilities,” Faber said. “Along with our new Arctic-class
tugs, this barge will add yet another valuable asset.”