American shipping company Foss Maritime and Netherlands-based Damen Shipyards have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to construct at least 10 tugs, which will meet the demands of the U.S. tug assist and escort market.
At first the two companies will produce the Damen ASD 2813 tug, in order to assist the U.S. tug assist and escort market.
The first four of a series of at least 10 tugs will be constructed at the Foss Rainier, Ore., Shipyard, and they are expected to be delivered in 2019.
While Foss will construct the tugs to supplement and enhance their fleet, tugs of this build series will be available for purchase by other U.S. tug operators, Foss Maritime said.
“Working with Foss will enable us to strengthen our relationship while serving the North American market with state-of-the-art, cost-effective and dependable vessels. We’re excited about this collaboration and look forward to working closely with Foss,” said Jan van Hogerwou, Damen’s Vice President of New Construction North America.
