Designs ordered for new generation of American terminal tugs

One of the largest operators of port and terminal tugs in North America has ordered a new series that will comply with the most stringent emissions regulations.

Foss Maritime is using designs from Seattle-based naval architecture and marine engineering company, Jensen Maritime, for at least four, and potentially 10, tugs for its US west coast operations.

Jensen Maritime, a subsidiary of Crowley Maritime Corp, confirmed that Nichols Brother Boat Builders will construct these tugs to an adapted Valor tugboat design.

These tugs will comply with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Tier 4 emissions requirements and the US Coast Guard’s Subchapter M regulations.

They will have bollard pulls of up to 90 tonnes and equipment for towing, assisting and escorting the largest of merchant ships, such as ultra-large container ships.

To comply with EPA’s Tier 4 requirements, these tugs will have high-efficiency catalytic after-treatment technology to reduce emissions.

They will each be powered by two MTU series 4000 main engines driving twin Rolls-Royce Z-drive propulsion units.

Jensen included in these designs large fuel capacity for lengthy seagoing routes, comfortable crew accommodation and a spacious engineroom. The deck machinery will include a Markey TES-40 winch, an anchor windlass and chain locker.

These tugs are scheduled to be delivered between Q4 2020 and Q4 2021. There are options to build six more for delivery from 2022 onwards.

• New generation tugs ordered for US west coast ports
• Tug fleet ordered for US inland river operations
• Yards benefit from newbuilding surge

Foss Maritime switched its newbuilding strategy for building this series of tugs by contracting Nichols Brothers Boat Builders. When the decision was announced in Q4 2018, it was a U-turn for the North American tug owner as it announced in 2017 its plans to build 10 tugs at its own shipyard to Damen design.

Instead Foss cancelled its agreement with Damen and closed its shipyard in Rainier on the Columbia River. It then chose Jensen Maritime’s design and Nichols Brothers Boat Builders.