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SAAM orders Chilean newbuild to boost ship-escort capabilities
A leading towage provider in the Americas has ordered a new escort tug from a Chilean shipyard to increase its tanker terminal operations in Canada
SAAM Towage has ordered an escort tug from the ASENAV shipyard in Valdivia, Chile, to bolster its abilities to escort ships visiting hydrocarbon terminals in Canada.
ASENAV will build this 32-m tug in around 15 months to Canada-headquartered Robert Allan Ltd’s RAstar 3200W design with 80 tonnes of bollard pull. It will be equipped with a constant-tension winch for ship escort operations and a FiFi-class fire extinguishing system, with delivery expected in Q1 2027.
Propulsion will come from two high-speed four-stroke diesel engines, each connected to a selective catalytic reduction aftertreatment unit for removing NOx from their exhaust to comply with IMO Tier III emissions standards, driving two azimuth thrusters on the stern.
ASENAV said this tug was designed and rated for challenging ship escorting and indirect pulling manoeuvres, with a wider beam compared with other tugs of RAstar design, “which improves stability and crew comfort, making this vessel a versatile platform for harbour operations, mainly to assist vessels at specialised hydrocarbon terminals.”
SAAM’s agreement with ASENAV is part of the Chilean government’s shipbuilding plan to promote the local industry beyond the construction of warships.
“This agreement is good news for Chile,” said SAAM chief executive Macario Valdés. “It not only demonstrates that the country has the industrial and technological capabilities to compete in demanding markets, but also highlights the value of decentralisation and local development." Building this tug in Valdivia will “create jobs, activate regional suppliers and strengthen an industry that can reach the world market.”
He added, “For SAAM, this is a concrete sign that sustainable growth also involves boosting local and regional capacities.”
The agreement also takes advantage of Chile’s free-trade agreement with Canada.
ASENAV chief executive Fernando Rodríguez said this contract is its first from SAAM Towage and “reaffirms our capacity to manufacture vessels that meet the global industry’s most demanding standards.”
The 28th International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, in association with Caterpillar, 19-21 May 2026. Use this link for more details of this industry event and the associated social and networking opportunities.
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