The Project:

Point Thomson in the Alaskan Arctic had previously been thought too remote to develop, but Foss was able to meet the logistical challenge and successfully complete two separate sealifts in support of a major oil exploration development project. While operating in extreme conditions of first year ice a meter thick, Foss safely pioneered a new route across the North Slope. For the first sealift, Foss delivered three tank modules. For the second, four tugs, including the Michele on her maiden voyage, towed four barges carrying seven oil field modules 2,300 miles to the Alaskan petroleum field. The modules supply fuel and are critical to the development and operation of the Alaskan North Slope project.

Services Provided:

  • Oil field development
  • Ocean towing
  • Project cargo and logistics

Highlights:

  • For the first lift Foss provided two barges, two ocean-going tugs, and two assist tugs, including the shallow draft tug Emmett Foss, making its first voyage after its construction at Foss Rainier Shipyard.
  • For the second lift four tugs, including the first of three Arctic Class tugs built at the Rainier yard, the Michele on her maiden voyage, towed four barges carrying seven oil field modules.
  • Successfully operating with only 6.5’ of draft at the delivery site.
  • The first three modules weighed more than 1,250 tons, and the second seven had an individual maximum module weight of 2,685 short tons.
  • Safely and on or ahead of schedule completed the voyage from Ulsan, South Korea 2,300 miles to the Alaskan petroleum field.