SAAM Towage adds Robert Allan-designed tug newbuild in Peru

SAAM Towage christened Charrán in Peru as the vessel joined the company’s fleet to provide services at the terminal in Callao, Peru’s leading port and one of the most important along South America’s western coast.

According to the company, the celebration not only marked the arrival of the new vessel, but was an opportunity to highlight the company’s growth and future in the country.

"The Peruvian market is strategic for us. We are committed to growing and investing to provide the best coverage for our customers in the Pacific," SAAM’s Towage Division managing director Hernán Gómez said.

SAAM Towage Chile-Peru regional manager Cristián Cifuentes, commented, "The arrival of this new tug reinforces our service of excellence by incorporating state-of-the-art technology and the highest safety standards in critical berthing and unberthing operations."

In keeping with a company tradition, the tugboat was named Charrán in reference to a seabird from the Peruvian coast. 

Technical specifications

Measuring 24 m long and 12 m wide, the vessel has a bollard pull of 80 tonnes and a maximum speed of 13 knots. It is powered by a 2,350 kW Caterpillar engine that runs at 1,800 revolutions per minute. 

According to the companies involved, the tug was designed by Canadian firm Robert Allan and built at the Sanmar shipyards in Turkey.

"The vessel is highly manoeuvrable and versatile, especially for assisting large vessels in space-restricted harbours," SAAM said.

It is Fire Fighting 1 (FiFi 1) certified, which allows it to assist in emergency situations and reinforce safety in port manoeuvres.