Panama Canal steers towards a sustainable future

With the construction of several newbuild harbour tugs underway, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) will become the owner of the world’s largest fleet with batteries on board for low-emissions propulsion.

ACP has ordered 10 tugboats with hybrid-electric propulsion from Armon Shipyards in Spain and confirmed with the shipbuilder it will take an option for another 10 of these vessels. Of these, three have been completed, with Isla Barro Colorado in Cristobal, Isla Bastimentos in Pena Blanca, and Isla Bona on its way to Panama from Vigo, Spain, due to arrive at the end of September, according to Automatic Identification System (AIS) data.  

These 29-m tractor tugs have a beam of 14 m, a maximum draught of just over 6 m, and two diesel main engines, each with 2,331 kW of power, supported by a 445-kW battery pack, to drive two thrusters and generate a bollard pull of 80 tonnes.  

Hybrid propulsion reduces the amount of CO2 emitted during transits and mobilisations and increases the available power for ship handling and towage. These tugs also have a FiFi1 system for fighting fires and enhanced accommodation for crew. 

ACP says these hybrid-propulsion tugboats “represent the Panama Canal’s commitment to cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally responsible operations.”

The authority says the arrival of the first tug was a technological milestone and part of its strategic investment to modernise its towage fleet. “Their arrival signals broader economic, social and environmental benefits,” says ACP. “With a propulsion system that combines diesel engines with electric power, hybrid tugboats can be counted as a cornerstone of the canal’s decarbonisation plan.”

Their energy storage systems reduce fuel consumption, maintenance, noise and emissions. During periods of low power demand, they can operate solely on battery power enabling zero-emissions operations, while batteries boost power when high loads are required, such as during ship towage.

ACP says they enhance the Panama Canal’s operational efficiency as they can operate reliably for up to 700 hours per month, which the authority says is beyond what is typical in conventional ports.

“This resilience ensures an uninterrupted, competitive service that meets global logistics standards and helps the ACP maintain the commitment they have made to realising a sustainable future,” ACP says.  

It adds these tugboats have already demonstrated a significant reduction in underwater noise, which helps preserve and protect marine ecosystems

“Due to cleaner operations, these tugboats contribute to improved air quality in communities near port facilities,” says ACP. “In this way, hybrid tugboats are vital to Panama’s natural heritage and local economies.”

Lower fuel consumption and maintenance requirements reduce operating costs and extend the life of several propulsion components. “Engine wear is estimated to be reduced by 50%, ensuring more durable and optimised performance over time,” says ACP.  

Another connected benefit comes from renewed interest from tugboat crews, enabling them to learn new skills and use technology to operate and maintain the hybrid-propulsion vessels. ACP has invested in specialised training for team members responsible for maintenance and the masters operating these vessels.

Introducing these tugboats is the beginning of a progressive fleet renewal, with a vessel expected to arrive every two months, and is part of ACP’s wider sustainability strategy.

ACP says it is becoming a global leader in the transition toward more sustainable maritime trade routes and climate-conscious operations. “With the arrival of each new hybrid tugboat, the Panama Canal takes yet another step toward building an interoceanic waterway ready to weather the challenges and opportunities ahead in the 21st century.”