Cargo Business Techwire

Friday, May 23, 2014

Top Story

Foss marks 125 years in maritime transportation

Marine transportation and harbor services firm Foss Maritime is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. The company will hold a special celebration in June in mark the milestone, with plans to publish a limited edition book about the company's history

Founded in Tacoma, Wash., by Thea Foss in 1889, the Seattle-based company offers a wide range of services to an international customer base, operating over 130 vessels and employing 1,500 people.

"We have great and strong traditions here at Foss, and the hard work and creative thinking of our employees has propelled us to where we are today," said Paul Stevens, Foss president and CEO.

Recently, Foss has recently grown its business in Alaska and the Arctic, involved in a number of oil company projects over the past few years. The three Arctic-class tugs under construction at the Rainier Shipyard will help the expansion

The company's Seattle shipyard started new-vessel construction this year, creating jobs for the region. Foss' Rainier, Oregon shipyard just expanded by 11,000 square feet with the construction of a bulkhead and other support services.

New vessels built by Foss include the new Sanpoil ferry, a 20-car aluminum-hulled vessel with advanced technology for cleaner air constructed in partnership with Washington state and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. The company also constructed the pilot boat Connor Foss to replace the aging Arrow 2 on the Columbia River at Astoria, Oregon.

Foss has also been at the forefront of delivering emergency relief supplies to natural disaster victims in Haiti and on the U.S. East Coast.

"The future looks bright to us," says Stevens, "We are looking forward to the next 125 years with both enthusiasm and excitement."