Svitzer plans expansion in Panama with new tractor tugs

Svitzer is modernising its fleet in Latin America, with two new tractor tugs close to completion at a Turkish shipyard destined for Panama’s strategic ports.

Med Marine is building these newbuild tugboats at the Eregli Shipyard on the Turkish Black Sea coastline for delivery in Q3 2025. These 26-m tugs are built to Robert Allan Ltd’s TRAktor 2600-Z design with a beam of 13 m, a draught of 6 m, a bollard pull of 65 tonnes, a top speed of 12 knots and accommodation for six crew members.

Destined to be deployed to handle tankers, bulk carriers and container ships in Panama, the first, newbuild ER 173, was launed in May 2025 with its sister tug soon to follow.

Med Marine said these are the first TRAktor tugs it has built for Svitzer.

“TRAktor 2600-Z tug is engineered to excel in the dynamic demands of ship handling,” said Med Marine.

“Its advanced hullform and propulsion configuration ensure superior manoeuvrability and directional stability, while its optimised fuel consumption reflects a thoughtful balance between power and efficiency, setting a new benchmark for compact, high-performance harbour tugs.”