Will Roberts joined Foss Maritime as chief commercial officer in 2017 and became chief operating officer in 2018. A veteran of the U.S. Navy and former senior vice president at Rolls-Royce, Roberts holds degrees in ocean engineering and engineering management, along with ongoing studies at the Foster School of Business.
Foss Maritime operates a diverse fleet of over 75 vessels, including tugboats and barges, offering services across the U.S. West Coast, East Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska. Their primary ports include key regions such as Southern California and Puget Sound. The company is actively seeking to expand its fleet, focusing on opportunities in the offshore wind sector while committing to upgrading aging assets to meet customer and environmental demands. Recently, Foss introduced three state-of-the-art ASD 90 Z-drive harbor assist and escort tugs to enhance their operations.
In response to current shipping and supply chain challenges, Foss Maritime has adapted by leveraging its extensive capabilities, particularly to address bottlenecks in terminal space rather than tugboat availability. The firm also aims to provide short sea shipping options to manage container traffic more efficiently.
Innovatively, Foss is integrating autonomous systems from Sea Machines into their operations. Although not fully autonomous, these technologies are intended to enhance crew safety and operational efficiency. Ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard and ABS aims to ensure these new tools are thoroughly vetted before full deployment.
Foss Maritime is enthusiastic about the burgeoning U.S. offshore wind industry, with plans to support projects like Vineyard Wind, which represents a significant step forward in renewable energy. The company is focused on providing safe, timely marine services tailored to this emergent sector.
Environmental responsibility is a longstanding commitment for Foss. Their history includes operating the world’s first battery electric hybrid tug and implementing EPA Tier IV standards in their new vessels. The company continues to explore alternative fuels and technologies, such as a biofuel trial underway with the tug Alta June, as they aim to minimize their environmental footprint.
When Roberts took over as president in January, his initial goal was to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of employees and customers while ensuring operational continuity. His leadership has emphasized maintaining strong community ties, notably contributing to COVID-19 relief efforts, including assistance to the USNS Mercy hospital ship.
In summary, under Roberts’ leadership, Foss Maritime is poised for growth and innovation, with a strong focus on fleet expansion, environmental responsibility, and response to industry challenges while maintaining a commitment to safety and operational excellence.
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