Latin America’s first electric tug launched

December 3, 2024, by Ajsa Habibic

Chile’s state-owned company Empresa Nacional del Petróleo (Enap) and harbor towage services provider SAAM have launched Latin America’s first electric tug at Sanmar shipyard in Tuzla Bay, Turkey.

Courtesy of SAAM

The vessel with electric propulsion that does not emit greenhouse gases (GHG) and reduces environmental and underwater noise will operate in Puerto Chacabuco, Aysén region, in Chile, providing berthing and unberthing services under the agreement signed between Enap and SAAM in January 2024.

Designed by Robert Allan and built at the Sanmar shipyard, the tug is 25 meters long and 13 meters wide (beam), with a maximum bollard pull of over 70 metric tons.

Following the first launch stage, the tug will undergo sea trials during which its static behavior and operating performance will be inspected and verified.

The tug will be engaged in sea trials until just before setting out for Chile. Its arrival in Chile is scheduled for the first half of 2025.

Enap’s Corporate Supply Chain Manager, Mauricio Naveas, commented: “This project is relevant for our company not only because it will allow us to meet the service needs of Puerto Chacabuco, but also because it is a step forward in reducing both carbon emissions and environmental and underwater noise in our logistics chain, an effort that is in line with having increasingly sustainable processes.”

SAAM Towage’s Sustainability and Development Manager, Pablo Cáceres, added: “This is a key milestone to ensure that the tug operates to the highest safety standards in the subsequent phases of its development. This vessel is the third in our electric fleet, which marks a decisive step into the future with increasingly sustainable operations. At Chacabuco we will be reducing CO2 emissions by 100% compared to current operations.”