• November 19, 2020
• News, Shipyard News, Tugs & Barges

M/V Leisa Florence will join the Foss fleet in December after final outfitting and trials are completed

Launched yesterday by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB), Freeland, Wash., the M/V Leisa Florence is the third of four ASD-90 class tugs ordered at the shipyard by Foss Maritime.

Foss welcomed the M/V Jamie Ann and the M/V Sarah Avrick into its fleet in April and September respectively. The M/V Leisa Florence will join the fleet in December after final outfitting and trials are completed

The ASD-90 class tugs are built to Jensen Maritime Consultants, Seattle, Wash., design. The 100 foot x 40 foot Z-drive tractor tugs are built to USCG Subchapter “M” regulatory standards, with ABS loadline certification, and UWILD notation.

The vessels are each equipped with two MTU series 4000 main engines, meeting Tier 4 emission standards, coupled to Kongsberg US255 azimuth thrusters. The propulsion package will produce over 90 tons of bollard pull giving the tug exceptional pulling power and maneuverability. They are outfitted with Mackay Marine Electronics and Markey winches forward for ship assist and aft for barge towing.

“We are excited to see the Leisa Florence launched in these difficult times,” said.Will Roberts, COO at Foss Maritime. “We look forward to seeing the Leisa at work for our customers.”

“The launch of every vessel is a special moment in its construction, bringing the boat into it’s natural environment” said NBBB CEO Gavin Higgins. “We are very proud of the opportunity Foss has given us with this series of tugs. The team have worked very hard to complete all three vessels in these difficult and challenging times, with the forth vessel coming shortly.”