Latin America Set To Receive Its First Electric Tugboat By 2025

Latin America is about to welcome its first electric tugboat. The tug was recently launched in Tuzla Bay, Turkey, at the Sanmar shipyard. It will soon head to Chile’s Puerto Chacabuco, where it will begin operations in 2025.

The electric tugboat, designed by Robert Allan Ltd., is 25 meters long, 13 meters wide, and can pull up to 70 metric tons. Its electric engines mean no harmful emissions, helping reduce air pollution and noise in the port.

ENAP’s Corporate Supply Chain Manager, Mauricio Naveas, shared that the tug will help Puerto Chacabuco with its berthing services while reducing carbon emissions and noise. It’s an important step towards making their operations more eco-friendly.

SAAM Towage’s Sustainability and Development Manager, Pablo Cáceres, said this tug is the third electric vessel in their fleet. It will cut CO2 emissions by 100% compared to the current tugboats at Puerto Chacabuco, making the port a cleaner place to operate.

Chile’s Minister of Energy, Diego Pardow, praised the project, saying it helps Chile move closer to its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. He added that the electric tug is a great example of how technology can help the country reduce emissions.

ENAP’s CEO, Julio Friedmann, emphasized that this tug is part of their ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and promote sustainable energy use. He said it’s an important step for the company as it works towards a greener future.

The tug will undergo sea trials before making its way to Chile. Once it arrives, it will begin helping ships dock and undock at Puerto Chacabuco, setting a new standard for sustainable port operations in Latin America.

Reference: SAAM Towage

Source: Maritime Shipping News