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SAAM, Enap introduce Latin America’s first electric tug
Latin America’s first battery-electric tugboat has arrived in Chile for its naming ceremony
SAAM Towage and energy group Empresa Nacional del Petróleo (Enap) have introduced the first electric-powered tugboat in Latin America as both companies seek to cut emissions from ship handling and docking.
Trapananda arrived in Puerto Montt, Chile, on heavy transport ship BBC Olympus I after its construction by Sanmar Shipyards in Turkey and was named at a ceremony on 10 July 2025.
Built to a Robert Allan Ltd ElectRA 2500SX design, Trapananda has an overall length of 25 m, a beam of 13 m, a draught of around 6 m, a bollard pull of 70 tonnes and a speed of more than 12 knots. It features a Corvus Orca energy storage system of lithium-ion batteries with a total capacity of 3,616 kWh and two 2,100-kW, electric azimuth thrusters. The batteries are remotely monitored by Corvus from Norway and have an estimated life of 10 years.
This battery-electric tug will sail to Puerto Chacabuco in the Aysen region, where it will support Chilean energy group Enap’s terminal operations.
At the terminal, it will be able to tow, manoeuvre and dock tankers with zero emissions and reduced underwater noise, thereby protecting marine life and contributing to decarbonising operations at the port.
SAAM chief executive Macario Valdés said Trapananda’s arrival was an important moment for the company and the towage and ports sectors in Latin America.
"We are moving toward cleaner, more efficient and environmentally friendly operations,” he said. “This project is a vision for the future. We are developing solutions that not only tow and assist ships, but are also mobilising towards a truly sustainable logistics chain.”
Following its completion, Trapananda underwent rigorous sea trials and its local operations team was trained in Canada where SAAM Towage operates two battery-electric tugs.
Enap chair Gloria Maldonado said its partnership with SAAM to bring Trapananda to Chile was part of state-backed group’s mandate to ensure a reliable, efficient and quality energy supply to the nation. “But today, this mandate goes beyond compliance, it demands transformation,” she said.
“This new tugboat demonstrates when the public and private sectors work together decisively, they can advance on complex challenges like decarbonisation. This step is a concrete sign we can accelerate the energy transition through collaboration and action," Ms Maldonado added.
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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