SPOTLIGHT fendering; holding tanks for both black and gray water to allow operations in no-discharge zones, such as parts of Alaska. The tugs will also eliminate the use of ballast tanks to prevent the transportation of invasive species. The vessels will be classed ABS A1 Towing, AMS, ABCU, Ice Class D0. The two remaining tugs in the Arctic class, the Denise Lynn and Nicole Kathleen, will also be built at Rainer and are to be delivered by 2015 and 2016, respectively.
CURRENT PROJECTS Foss’ endeavors in the Arctic have further led to the construction of a new oceangoing barge. The 360 ft long x 120 ft wide x 20 ft deep barge, which will be Jones Act qualified, will be built at Gunderson Marine, Portland, OR. Stevens says the barge will be used during a “second sealift of oil and gas infrastructure from South Korea to Alaska’s North Slope in 2015.” It is believed that the barge will be towed from South Korea by the Arctic-class tugs. Delivery is expected late 2014. On the newbuild side of things, Foss’ Seattle Shipyard recently christened the first of two state-of-the-art and highly powerful fireboats it is building for the Port of Long Beach. The 108 ft fireboats will each be quipped with two Voith Schneider Propellers, VSP 26GII/165 AE45 driven by two 1,350 kW Caterpillar 3512C diesel engines. The vessels will travel at an operating speed of 13 knots. Additionally, Voith will provide two 866 DTL Voith turbo couplings and twin control stand unit. The VSP’s short blade length of 5.4 ft will enable the fireboats to enter shallow areas of the port without compromising maneuverability, and facilitate onshore firefighting. Each fireboat will be equipped with 10 powerful water monitors, providing the vessels the ability to throw more than 41,000 gallons of water per minute. The water streams can reach a height of up to 236 ft and a distance of up to 580 ft. The first boat in the series, the Fireboat 20, will be delivered later this summer. The second fireboat will follow early 2015.
ALWAYS SAFE, ALWAYS READY Foss’ slogan of “Always Safe, Always Ready,” isn’t just a catchy tag line to remember them by, it is also the company’s modus operandi. With a mission to have a zero-incident environment, Foss has created and fostered a safety culture across its growing group. The company has several safety programs in place—from the very top of the company pyramid on the Executive level to its very foundation, Foss’ people. “Safety is of paramount importance at Foss,” says Stevens, “and we have developed an extensive and thorough safety program company wide.” Among some of the programs developed to promote safety among employees is: Shipyard People-based safety program where, according to Foss, workers observe work tasks and identify both safe work practices and potential at-risk tasks. After observation is completed, a trending analysis is created to provide information, and lead to any needed corrective actions; Foss Shipmate Plus Program for marine operations-similar to the aforementioned shipyard safety program, except its applied to marine operations; Safety Management SystemThe use of SMS will ensure safety at sea, prevent human injury and/ or loss of life. Additionally its helps prevent/avoid damage to the environment; Vessel Safety Inspections-Foss says the inspection determine the degree of compliance by which the in-place safety and quality system meets rules, regulations and standards, as well as the documented procedures reflecting the company requirements. And finally Job Safety Analysis-This program identifies and mitigates the hazards 16 MARINE LOG July 2014
of a task with the goal of reducing potential accidents and incidents. Stevens adds that the company recently launched a computer-based training program that offered hundreds of classes and certification courses to its employees. Since the training program is computer-based, Foss employees will be able to undergo training at their convenience and at their own pace. “It helps highlight areas for potential growth,” he says, “and it allows our employees to stay current with laws, regulations and other industry information and requirements.” Foss’ commitment to safety has not gone unnoticed either. Last month, the company was recognized by the Chamber of Shipping of America with the 2013 Jones F. Devlin Award. Seventy-three Foss vessels were awarded the accolade at the CSA Annual Safety Awards Luncheon held on May 29, 2014 in New Orleans, LA.
“To create movement and change you have to be ready to take risks” —Foss’ President and CEO, Paul Stevens All together, the 73 Foss vessels achieved the equivalent of 483 years without a lost-time injury. Commenting on the recognition, Stevens says, “Safety is part of our operation culture and in everything we do. We’re very proud of our program training, resources and operations. The men and women of Foss who work hard to earn us this recognition are our greatest asset, and their safety and well being are our highest priority.” The Jones F. Devlin award is presented to self-propelled merchant vessels that have operated for two years or more, without a crewmember losing a full turn at watch due to an occupation injury. Of the 73 Foss vessels, 57 achieved five or more years of incidentfree operation—10 of which achieved a decade or more.
THE GROUP THAT KEEPS ON GIVING While Foss’ continues to grow, one prevalent notion running through its structure is its need to give back. In working in Alaska, Foss is partnering with native corporations to “assure the rights and environments of the Alaska peoples,” says Stephens. The company has also been at the forefront of providing emergency aid and necessary assistance throughout the world. After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti—which claimed the lives of more than 100,000—Foss delivered nearly 80,000 tons of food aid in 4,000 containers over the course of eight months. Foss also gathered relief supplies, assisted in flooded areas and provided power to affected areas after Hurricane Sandy struck the U.S. East Coast in 2012.
LONG LIVE FOSS Foss’ drive to explore new regions, develop untapped resources, push the envelope on technological possibilities and increase the strength of its work force have made the company a vital part of not only the rich fabric of the Northwest region of the United States, but also the world. It’s Foss’ unending commitment to providing safe, efficient, effective and reliable service that are the hallmarks of its longevity. And if its history and operational culture are indicative of anything, it’s this: that Foss, which will continue to be synonymous with the word excellence, will beat on, thriving and pushing the industry forward long after we’re all gone. “The future looks bright to us,” says Stevens. “We are looking forward to the next 125 years with both enthusiasm and excitement.” For those looking to fully dive into Foss’ rich history, the company has recently published a limited edition anniversary book. Learn more at www.foss.com ■