Jensen delivers design for Foss tractor tugs on order at Nichols

Written by Nick Blenkey
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JANUARY 9, 2019 — Jensen Maritime, Crowley Maritime Corp.’s Seattle-based naval architecture and marine engineering company, has provided the detailed design for the initial four, with an option for six additional, tractor tugboats ordered at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders by Foss Maritime (see earlier story).

The 90-ton bollard pull tugs are based on Jensen’s popular Valor tugboat design, nine of whic have been successfully built and deployed to date with an additional five under design/construction.

Once delivered, the Foss tugs will serve along the U.S. West Coast.

These 100-foot by 40-foot tugs are multi-functional to provide ship assist and escort capabilities as well as towing. Additionally, the tugs are being built to EPA Tier IV emissions standards.

Powered by twin Z-drive propulsion units, the tugs will be suitable for offshore service, ship assist, escort, maneuvering and docking. They feature a large fuel capacity for long trips, comfortable crew accommodations and a spacious engine room along with an anchor windlass and chain locker, and a Markey TES-40 winch.

Additionally, Jensen designed the tugs with some of the most advanced safety features in the industry, including a 900 GPM fire pump and monitor, which will be powered from an on-board generator.

The tugs will be Subchapter M compliant.

“Jensen continues to be a leading designer of multi-functional Tier IV tugboats for the American shipbuilding industry,” said Bryan Nichols, director, business development, Jensen. “In addition to this particular sized tug, we have multiple build-ready designs available, ranging in size from 74 feet up to 110 feet for anyone looking to upgrade or expand their fleet for a variety of nearshore or offshore capabilities.”

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