Tacoma Boat Delivers Fourth Tractor Tug To Foss

The Arthur Foss. the fourth tractor tug for Foss Launch & Tug Co., was christened recently in ceremonies at Foss Terminal in Seattle, Wash.

Performing the christening were co-sponsors Patricia Foss and Christine Foss, the daughters of Arthur Foss, a member of the Foss company founding family and for whom the vessel was named.

Born in 1885, Arthur Foss literally grew up in the tugboat business, and helped his father and two brothers build today's successful operation. He served as president of the Foss company in the early 1920s, and became chairman of the board in 1955.

He died in 1964 at the age of 79.

Like the three tractor tugs previously c o m m i s s i o n e d , the 4,000-hp Arthur Foss features a cycloidal propulsion system that enables it to produce thrust in any desired direction without changing its heading. It can move sideward, turn a full circle in a tight space, and come to a complete stop within approximately its own length.

These capabilities allow the tug to escort tankers and assist ships and tows in a minimum of time while ensuring maximum safety.

The Arthur Foss, built by Tacoma Boat Building Co., of Tacoma, Wash., measures 106 feet long, with a breadth of 38 feet, and a draft of 17 feet 4 inches.

The vessel features two Voith- Schneider vertically oriented cyclodial propellers with a blade orbit diameter of 3,200 mm (126 inches). Both propellers have five blades, each of which measures 2,006 mm (79 inches) in length.

The vessel is powered by General Motors diesel engines model EMD 16-645-E6, which develop a total of 4,000 bhp at 900 engine rpm.

The Voith-Schneider cycloidal unit was chosen after an indepth, two-and-a-half year study because of its track record, reliability, and cost effectiveness in operations, said Steve Scalzo, Foss Launch & Tug Co. vice president for marine operations.

The Arthur Foss, based in Bellingham, will begin service immediately in ship assist and tanker escort, joining the 4,000- hp Andrew Foss christened in November. The 3,000-hp Wedell Foss, christened in July 1982, is based in Seattle, and the 3,000-hp Henry Foss, christened in September 1982, works out of Tacoma.

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 12, Mar 1983

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