Page 47: of Marine News Magazine (March 2013)

Markey type TDSD-40UL Towing Winch, 3000 ft. of 2.5? wire each drum, 200,000 lbs. line pullAccording to John Tirpak, Senior Vice President, Global Services at Foss, the tugs are not being construct- ed with a speciÞ c client in mind. He added, ÒWe will market them as the market emerges in Alaska.Ó Tirpak talked about the speciÞ c requirements for building tonnage for Arctic conditions. ÒThe most im- portant design consideration when building workboats for the Arctic is deÞ nitely safety and ability to per- form consistently meeting our cus-tomerÕs expectations. We also need the boats to operate under difÞ cult and changing conditions and for dif-ferent purposes, so versatility is also paramount.Ó The class ice notation was critical, as well, he said. ÒCertiÞ -cation for Ôice classÕ requires increased shell thickness and frame strength in the vicinity of the waterline, and addi-tional modiÞ cations for the propeller/ nozzle, rudders, propulsion engines, sea chest, propulsion shafting and re- duction gears.ÓAlready with one of the larg- est ß eets of tugs and barges on the American West Coast, Foss operates two shipyards and offers worldwide marine transportation emphasizing safety, environmental responsibility, and high-quality service. In this case, the primary impetus for building the boats was simple. Tirpak explained, ÒFoss is building these new tugs in response to new oil and gas industry opportunities. We are well known for our ability to safely operate in extreme environments. This investment in our ß eet will broaden our capacity to take on new projects in the Arctic.Ó And, as the entire maritime industry and its energy cousins look north to new op- portunities, the boats arguably arrive, just in the nick of time.www.marinelink.com MN March2013 Layout 32-49.indd 47MN March2013 Layout 32-49.indd 473/5/2013 1:16:33 PM3/5/2013 1:16:33 PM