Nicole Engle (left), principal of Foss moms and dad Saltchuk, bonds her initials right into the keel with the help of Nichols Brothers journeyman welder Justina Mackie
Construction of the very first of 4 Tier IV ASD 90 Tractor Tugs being constructed for Foss Maritime has actually started with a keel laying event held February 25 at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) shipyard in Freeland, Wash.
The keel laying likewise noted the application of a brand-new assembly line at NBBB, which will certainly enhance effectiveness to fulfill the increased four-boat order.
The event started with NBBB welding a silver buck right into the keel, an old maritime custom. This was complied with by remarks by reps of both NBBB and also Foss.
Nicole Engle, among the principals of Foss’ moms and dad business, Saltchuk, made the very first ritualistic weld of her initials right into the keel, helped by journeyman welder Justina Mackie.
“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,” stated John Parrott, President and also Chief Executive Officer ofFoss Maritime “By offering lower maintenance down time, greater operating efficiencies and lower emissions, these new tugs help expand our nearshore and offshore capabilities.”
Foss has an order for 4 of the brand-new course of ASD 90 yanks, with a choice for an extra 6. Designed by Jensen Maritime Consultants of Seattle, and also based upon Jensen’s Valor tugboat layout, the vessels will certainly fulfill Tier IV requirements, utilizing high-efficiency catalytic after-treatment innovation to minimize discharges. The Z-Drive Tractor yanks will certainly be constructed to United States Coast Guard Subchapter “M” governing requirements, with ABDOMINAL loadline qualification, and also UWILD symbols. The vessels will certainly be geared up with 2 MTU collection 4000 primary engines, Rolls-Royce US255 azimuth thrusters and also Markey winches. The vessels will certainly likewise consist of condition-based tracking for the Z-drives and also primary engines.
“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,” statedParrott “These new vessels will not just expand our fleet, but will add new vitality with the latest innovative technology.”
The 100 feet by 40 feet yanks are multi-functional with ship help and also companion in addition to towing abilities. Additionally, Jensen developed the yanks with several of one of the most sophisticated safety and security functions in the market, consisting of a solitary 900 GPM fire pump and also display that will certainly be powered from an on-board generator.
Foss intends to run the yanks on the UNITED STATE West Coast, carrying out ship-handling tasks within ports and also harbors. Delivery of the very first 4 vessels will certainly start in winter season 2020.
“Since 1889, Foss has grown constantly through innovation: from the first naphtha launches, to the first diesel tugboats, to the first Tractor tugs and one-of-a-kind hybrid technology,” statedParrott “These new vessels will not only enhance our own fleet, but will set the standard for our entire industry.”
The ASD 90 program is the most recent Foss campaign to increase and also enhance its fleet, which has actually likewise consisted of the recurring building of the Kāpena course vessels for Foss subsidiary Young Brothers, and also the procurement of 4 brand-new nearshore vessels for Foss subsidiary Cook Inlet Tug & & Barge.
