Foss Maritime is transferring a hybrid-powered tug from California to Alaska this month in preparation for a port revitalisation project.
The US-based tugboat owner is moving a powerful Dolphin-class tug from Long Beach, California to Anchorage where it will be operated by subsidiary Cook Inlet Tug & Barge.
2005-built tug Campbell Foss has been renamed Bering Wind and is scheduled to enter service in Anchorage on 15 November.
Cook Inlet Tug & Barge president Ben Stevens said Bering Wind would improve marine service levels from a fleet of tugs in the port.
“It will also ensure safe port operations can be conducted during the anticipated port revitalisation project that will commence in Q2 2019.”
Campbell Foss became the first tug to be converted to hybrid propulsion when new systems were installed in 2011.
As Bering Wind, this will remain one of the most powerful harbour tugs in the industry with a total rating of 3,790 kW and bollard pull of up to 135 tonnes.
Bering Wind is powered by two Series II Caterpillar main engines and twin Rolls Royce US 205 fixed pitch Z-drives. It also has a Marathon generator set that delivers 125 kW of power for the diesel-electric hybrid service.
Foss and its subsidiaries have a strong position in the Pacific port services and tugboat sector. It is also investing in Kāpena-class tugs for its subsidiary Young Brothers and its towage and port services operations in Hawaii.
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.