Foss Maritime is equipping its fleet of 43 tugs with Saab TransponderTech R4 Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) transponders. The installations are being performed by Pacific Radar.
The Saab R4 was introduced to the marine market in 2003. This year, Saab announced a major upgrade to the R4 AIS product with the addition of an embedded IMO-compliant GPS receiver. The company has also introduced an airborne AIS solution for use in coastal surveillance and search and rescue applications.
Foss Maritime, based in Seattle, Washington, is the largest tug and barge operator on the U.S. West Coast. Vessel operations extend from Southern California to Alaska. Foss provides a full range of marine transportation services, including harbor services, ocean towing, shipyard and terminal services.