Foss Maritime Celebrates 125 Years of Maritime Innovation and Expertise
Honoring over a century of success, looking forward to a bright future
SEATTLE, May 22, 2014 – Seattle’s Foss Maritime, a company that has evolved from a single rowboat into one of the world’s leading marine transportation and harbor services companies, celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.
The company was founded in Tacoma, Washington by Thea Foss in 1889, and now serves customers around the world, 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.
Over the past 125 years, Foss Maritime has grown out of its humble beginnings into a global company that offers a wide range of marine services. Today, Foss continues to pursue growth opportunities in a variety of areas, such as expanding its scope of services and clients in Alaska and the Arctic. The company has already been involved in a number of projects for major oil companies in the past few years, and three Arctic-class tugs currently under construction at the Rainier Shipyard will only enhance Foss’ Arctic capabilities.
Foss’ Seattle shipyard, traditionally involved in maintenance and repair work, expanded into new-vessel construction in early 2014, further diversifying the company’s business. As a result, employment at Foss Seattle shipyard ascended to its highest levels ever, with about 265 welders, electricians, carpenters and other craftsmen on the job there since November 2013.
In addition, Foss’ Rainier, Oregon shipyard recently expanded its footprint by 11,000 square feet with the construction of a bulkhead and other support services.
Recent major construction accomplishments 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, and the pilot boat Connor Foss built with increased stability and efficiency to replace the aging Arrow 2 on the Columbia River at Astoria, Oregon.
Two state of the art fireboats are currently under construction at the Seattle shipyard. The first was recently christened and construction has already commenced on the second.
Foss has also been at the forefront of delivering emergency aid and providing necessary assistance in recent years, most notably during the devastating natural disasters in Haiti and the U.S. East Coast. The company delivered nearly 80,000 tons of food aid in 4,000 containers over eight-months to Haiti, and gathered relief supplies, helped resolve flooded areas and provided power to affected locations after Hurricane Sandy.
To honor the tremendous growth and change over the last decades, the company is marking the occasion with a special celebration in June, and the publication of a limited edition book about the company’s history, dedicated to the hard working and talented men and women that make up the Foss family.
The anniversary book is an exquisite collection of historical photos and inspiring stories revealing the company’s rich history and current activities, both locally and around the world. It will be available for purchase on the Foss website, www.foss.com.
“The future looks bright to us,” says Stevens, “We are looking forward to the next 125 years with both enthusiasm and excitement.”