Bremerton-based Art Anderson Associates has finalized a contract with the City of Tacoma to provide naval architecture and engineering services for the complete renovation and refit of the Tacoma Fire Department's 30-knot SES (surface effect ship) fireboat Commencement. The contract is the result of a grant provided under the US Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

The firm will provide comprehensive engineering and design services for the vessel's propulsion, pumping, hydraulic, electrical and command and control systems, and has brought in the extensive SES expertise of BMT Nigel Gee and Associates for the modernization and rebuild of the vessel's SES-related structural and mechanical systems. The contract also includes an option for Art Anderson Associates to serve as the owner's representative throughout the bid and construction phase of the rebuild, providing the City of Tacoma with technical support during bid and proposal review, contract negotiation, and the construction process. Upon completion of the refit and renovation, the Commencement will be a versatile, state-of-the-art, Class-A fireboat with an expected service life of an additional twenty years.