By Karen Robes Meeks
This week, Foss Maritime kicked off the construction of four Tier IV ASD 90 Tractor Tugs with a keel laying and welding at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) of Freeland, Wash.
The four tugs are part of the company’s ongoing fleet expansion program. They also represent the start of a new production line at NBBB to more efficiently meet the accelerated four-boat order.
"The new tugs are designed to upgrade our fleet and improve the company’s ability to provide timely harbor and port services to a variety of customers. By offering lower maintenance down time, greater operating efficiencies and lower emissions, these new tugs help expand our nearshore and offshore capabilities,” said Foss Maritime President and CEO John Parrott.
Foss has the option for six more Jensen Maritime Consultants-designed ASD 90 tugs, which uses high-efficiency catalytic aftertreatment technology to lower emissions. They will be outfitted with two MTU series 4000 main engines, Rolls-Royce US255 azimuth thrusters and Markey winches.
“Foss is celebrating our 130th anniversary this year, and I can’t think of a better way to kick off our 130 years than by laying the keel of our next generation of harbor tugs,” said Parrott. “These new vessels will not just expand our fleet but will add new vitality with the latest innovative technology.”
The first vessel is expected to be delivered in the winter of 2020.
