Foss Maritime closes Rainier shipyard

(RAINIER, Ore.) — Foss Maritime has closed its shipyard on the Columbia River in Rainier, the Longview Daily News reported.

Foss spokesman Loren Skaggs said the shipyard, primarily used as a repair facility for the Foss fleet and also to build new tugboats, closed July 24 with the loss of 10 jobs.

Skaggs told the Daily News that the decision to close the shipyard was part of a thoughtful process, but didn't disclose more details.

In December, Foss was working to finalize negotiations to build at least 10 tugboats at the Rainier yard.

Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole said the company did not give any indication it was planning on closing the facility. The mayor said he wished Foss would have reached out to the city to see what could be done to keep the shipyard open.

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By Professional Mariner Staff