Oil Patch Bits: Foss celebrates 125 years of maritime expertise

Seattle’s Foss Maritime, a company that has evolved from a single rowboat into one of the world’s leading marine transportation and harbor services companies, celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.

The company was founded in Tacoma, Washington, by Thea Foss in 1889, and now serves customers around the world, operating more than 130 vessels and employing 1,500 people.

Over the past 125 years, Foss Maritime has grown out of its humble beginnings into a global company that offers a wide range of marine services. Today, Foss continues to pursue growth opportunities in a variety of areas, such as expanding its scope of services and clients in Alaska and the Arctic. The company has already been involved in a number of projects for major oil companies in the past few years, and three Arctic-class tugs currently under construction at the Rainier Shipyard will only enhance Foss’ Arctic capabilities.

To honor the tremendous growth and change over the last decades, the company is marking the occasion with a special celebration in June, and the publication of a limited edition book about the company’s history, dedicated to the hard working and talented men and women that make up the Foss family.

The anniversary book is an exquisite collection of historical photos and inspiring stories revealing the company’s rich history and current activities, both locally and around the world. It will be available for purchase on the Foss website, www.foss.com.