Latin America’s First Electric Tug Nails Sea Trials, Heads to Chile
In a bold leap toward decarbonizing maritime operations, Latin America’s first fully electric tugboat is making waves—literally. The cutting-edge vessel, a collaboration between Chilean state-owned energy giant Enap and towage powerhouse SAAM, has aced its sea trials at Sanmar Shipyards in Tuzla Bay, Istanbul. Now, it’s gearing up for its maiden voyage to Chile, where it’s set to revolutionize harbor operations with zero-emission efficiency.
This isn’t just another tugboat. Designed by naval architecture firm Robert Allan and built by Sanmar Shipyards, the 25-meter-long, 13-meter-wide vessel is a marvel of modern engineering. With a jaw-dropping bollard pull of over 70 metric tons, it’s packing serious muscle—all powered by electric propulsion. The tug is slated to begin operations in Puerto Chacabuco, in Chile’s Aysén Region, where it will handle berthing and unberthing services with a clean, green touch.
Testing the Waters: A Glimpse into the Future
The recent sea trials weren’t just a formality—they were a deep dive into the tug’s capabilities. Engineers put the vessel through its paces, testing everything from static performance to system integration. The results? Stellar. The tug not only met but exceeded expectations, hitting a record-breaking 72 tons of bollard pull. For SAAM, this isn’t their first rodeo with electric propulsion; they already operate two similar vessels in Canada. But this marks a milestone for Latin America, signaling a seismic shift in how the region approaches maritime sustainability.
Mauricio Naveas, Enap’s Supply Chain Corporate Manager, emphasized the project’s significance: “This isn’t just about a tugboat—it’s about redefining Chile’s energy and maritime transportation landscape. At Enap, we’re pushing boundaries to embrace the energy transition, and this electric tug is a cornerstone of that vision.”
Electrifying the Future of Maritime Logistics
For SAAM, this project is more than a technological triumph—it’s a statement of intent. Pablo Cáceres, SAAM Towage’s Sustainability and Development Manager, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm: “The results from the sea trials have been phenomenal. This vessel isn’t just a step forward; it’s a giant leap in our mission to slash CO2 emissions and deliver sustainable, innovative solutions.”
As the tug prepares to set sail for Chile in early 2025, it’s clear that this isn’t just a win for Enap and SAAM—it’s a win for the planet. By replacing traditional diesel-powered tugs with electric alternatives, the maritime industry is taking a crucial step toward reducing its carbon footprint. And with Latin America now joining the electric revolution, the ripple effects could be felt globally.
