Foss Maritime Company is expanding into the American East Coast market with the acquisition of Constellation Tug Company of Charlestown, Mass. With the planned introduction of new, technologically advanced tractor tugs to the Constellation fleet, the company aims to increase its capacity and capabilities, and improve service for its Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay customers. Foss has agreed to acquire the equipment, assets and trade names of Constellation Tug Company of Charlestown, and will operate the company as a subsidiary under the name Constellation Maritime Company. The current leadership of Constellation will continue to manage the company when it becomes a subsidiary of Foss. Marc Villa, a partner at Constellation Tug, has
been named president of the company, and the other partners at Constellation Tug – Conti Coluntino, Jeff Nichols and Bob Manning – have also accepted management positions. Constellation currently operates four tugs and three barges, providing ship assist and
marine services in the ports of Boston, Quincy and Salem. In late 2006, two tractor tugs will join the Constellation fleet, including one of the Foss-built new Dolphin class ASD
tractor tugs with 5,000 hp and 65 short tons of Bollard pull.