You don't have Macromedia Flash Player installed.
This content requires the Macromedia Flash Player.
Get Flash
to design and build vessels that five years ago were impossible-like the Dolphin tug, and the mega-container ships that the Dolphin serves. Not only have there been changes on the technology side, but on the human side as well. It appears today that sailors are a vanishing breed, and recruitment and retention of sailors has changed dramatically. At the same time that there is increasing demand for good sailors-especially as the situation in the Gulf of Mexico moves from emergency response to long-term development of the area- there are fewer people going into the business. Finally, the effects of globalization are being felt by our customers, and by us as well. We are seeing a continuing trend among our customers to acquire, consolidate and centralize. With ongoing mergers, and the consolidation of major container and tanker operators, there are fewer larger players that are often operat-
The company is currently building a series of Foss Dolphin Class ASD tugs at their shipyard in Rainier, Oregon. To date, the company has launched five and will continue to build them in the foreseeable future before expanding the yard to start a new series of ocean towing tugs. The Dolphin Class tugs are 5,080 hp and have forward and astern bollard pull in excess of 62 tons. The most noteworthy aspect of the tugs is that they are powerful and maneuverable and only 78 ft. long, making them ideal tugs to work large ships in constrained waterways.
Our most exciting new R&D project at the moment is our hybrid tug project ... We are very optimistic that we will be able to put our first hybrid tug into production at our shipyard in the next year -- Gary Faber
All boats are available on GSA Contract: GS-07F-0507M
ing globally. Foss is redeploying its staff and operations platform to meet the new changes and service requirements brought on by these changes. Foss recently acquired Harbor Marine Group. What other investments is Foss making that are intended for the longterm health of the company? GF We continue to invest in innovation. Throughout its history, innovation in engineering and operations has been the hallmark of Foss. As early as the 1930's, Foss introduced the "teardrop hull form" for tugs that became the standard in the Northwest for many years. The Henrietta Foss is the surviving example. Our Dolphin-class tugs and enhanced tractor tugs are more recent examples of this innovation. The Harbor Marine Group brings us further along this path, allowing us to offer
No Nonsense Serious Boats
Visit us at www.mooseboats.com or call 1- 866 - GO MOOSE
November, 2006 · MarineNews · 43