VESSEL OF THE MONTH

The Sea Machines’ system will allow Foss Maritime and the crew of the Rachael Allen to maximize productive time, safety and crew welfare.

Rachael Allen: The First Autonomous U.S.-Flagged Harbor Tug

Recently delivered to Foss Maritime, the 100 foot long by 40-foot beam Rachael Allen is the fourth of four 90-ton bollard pull ASD 90 tractor tugs ordered at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders by the

Saltchuk Group.

Distinguishing Rachael Allen from her sisters is that she will be the first

U.S.-flagged harbor tug to integrate autonomous systems in real-world commercial operations.

Foss Maritime has selected Sea Machines

Robotics’ SM300 autonomous command and control system for use on board the vessel, which will be deployed in California to provide tanker escort and ship assists for

Foss Maritime’s customers.

While the Rachael Allen will be delivered with the SM300 and supporting hardware fully integrated into the vessel, the capability of the technology will be activated in stepped phases over the course of six to nine months to ensure full visibility and acceptance from all operational stakeholders.

Capitalizing on Sea Machines’ remote command and control capabilities, Foss will use its existing Fleet Monitoring Center personnel to monitor the tugboat’s systems and operating domain via streaming video and sensor data. By having an extra set of eyes and hands with access to vessel command and control, the Sea Machines’ system will allow Foss and the crew of the Rachael Allen to maximize productive time, safety and crew welfare.

“Foss is leveraging Sea Machines’ cutting-edge technology to take on the routine work and allow crew to focus on higherlevel tasks and improve safety, while also increasing productivity and efficiency during harbor operations,” said Foss president and CEO Will Roberts. “Foss prides itself on always offering customers safe and innovative solutions, and this is one more way that we are delivering on that promise.”

Designed by Jensen Maritime, the Rachael Allen and her three sisters are powerful enough to escort the largest vessels calling on ports on the U.S. West Coast and built to USCG Subchapter M regulatory standards, with ABS loadline certification, and UWILD notation.

The vessels are equipped with two MTU 16V4000M65L EPA main engines, meeting Tier 4 emission standards, with a rated horsepower of 6,866 BHP @ 1,800 RPM and coupled to Kongsberg US255 P30 Z Drives azimuth thrusters. The propulsion package will produce over 90 tons of bollard pull giving the tugs exceptional pulling power and maneuverability.

Deck gear includes a Markey DEPGF 52R (Escort) bow winch, 525 feet of 9-inch circ. Plasma 12 by 12 bow line with 40,382 pound pull per 685,041 pound brake capacity. The tow winch is a Markey DEPC 32. The towline is 250 feet of 6.5 inch 12 by 12 circ. synthetic line, with 17,000 pound pull per 216,936 pound brake capacity.