Foss Maritime said Feb. 27 that it is continuing its ongoing fleet expansion program with the keel laying of the first of its new class of ASD 90 tugboats. Construction of the first of four Tier IV ASD 90 Tractor Tugs being built for Foss Maritime began with a keel laying at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of Freeland, Washington.
In a ceremony on Feb. 25 the vessel keel was laid and welded before NBBB, Foss and other representatives and guests. The keel laying also marks the implementation of a new production line at NBBB, which will improve efficiencies to meet the accelerated four-boat order.
The ceremony began with NBBB welding a silver dollar into the keel, an old nautical tradition. This was followed by comments by representatives of both NBBB and Foss.
“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,” said John Parrott, president and CEO of Foss 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 four of the new class of ASD 90 tugs, with an option for an additional six. Designed by Jensen Maritime Consultants of Seattle, and based on Jensen’s Valor tugboat design, the vessels will meet Tier IV standards, using high-efficiency catalytic after-treatment technology to reduce emissions.
Foss plans to operate the tugs on the U.S. West Coast, performing ship-handling duties within ports and harbors. Delivery of the first four vessels will begin in winter 2020.
