Foss cancels 10-tug order after closing Rainier shipyard

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(RAINIER, Ore.) — Foss Maritime's closure of its Rainier shipyard has resulted in the cancellation of an order for 10 escort tugboats, Tug Technology & Business reported.

Foss closed its shipyard earlier this summer on the Columbia River in Rainier, where it was to build 10 azimuthing stern drive (ASD) tugs based on a Damen design. The shipyard was also a repair facility for tugs.

Foss intended to build 10 tugs of an ASD 2813 design for ship assistance and escort in partnership with Damen. The companies announced their agreement in the fourth quarter of 2017. At the time, Foss President and Chief Executive John Parrott said the new tugs would “strengthen our fleet to meet the demands of our customers."

Foss planned to keep some of the tugs and market others to U.S.-based operators.

A spokesman for Damen said the company was “still in discussion about a number of potential projects with Foss,” and added, “we have to see how those discussions evolve.”

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By Professional Mariner Staff