Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
New tug deliveries clear sea trials in Turkey
SAAM Towage has taken delivery of two new tugboats built by Sanmar Shipyards in Turkey, adding fresh capacity for port towage work in Chile and Mexico.
The vessels, named SAAM Carancho and SAAM Kanan, have completed sea trials and will now be integrated into SAAM’s regional operations. The handover adds to a fleet renewal program aimed at matching tug capacity more closely with the demands of high traffic ports, confined berths and changing vessel profiles.
For port operators, tugs are often noticed only when something goes wrong. Yet they work like the steering hands of a port, helping larger ships move safely through narrow approaches, busy terminals and weather exposed waters.
Chile and Mexico receive 80 ton bollard pull units
SAAM Carancho will operate in Chile. The tug is an ESCORT Biğaçay class vessel based on Robert Allan’s RAstar 2900SX design. It has 80 metric tons of bollard pull, a speed of 12 knots, 2,350 kW CAT engines, a constant tension maneuvering winch and Fire Fighting 1 capability.
SAAM said the vessel is intended for services that require fast response, maneuverability in confined areas and performance in different sea conditions.
SAAM Kanan will be deployed in Mexico. The Boğaçay class tug is based on Robert Allan’s RAmparts 2400SX MKII design and also has 80 metric tons of bollard pull, 2,350 kW CAT engines and Fire Fighting 1 rating.
The company said the unit is suited to high traffic port environments, where tug availability and quick handling can affect berth productivity and vessel turnaround.
Fleet renewal supports regional port demand
“These new units reflect our ongoing efforts to modernize our fleet and offer solutions tailored to the needs of our customers and their operations,” said Pablo Cáceres, manager of Innovation and New Construction at SAAM Towage.
The additions bring SAAM’s Sanmar built fleet to 15 tugs. The relationship between the companies began in 2018 and has continued through several vessel deliveries focused on safety, efficiency and lower operational risk.
SAAM said the new vessels form part of its growth strategy. Earlier reporting showed the company had also signed for five additional Sanmar newbuild tugs as part of a longer fleet renewal plan through 2030.
Sanmar partnership deepens
Sanmar, based in Türkiye, has become a regular supplier to SAAM’s towage network. Its recent SAAM orders include Robert Allan designed tugs with Fire Fighting 1 systems, CAT engines and bollard pull in the 70 to 80 ton range.
SAAM operates in more than 100 ports across 12 countries with a fleet of more than 200 tugs. The company describes itself as the leading port towage provider in the Americas and the third largest globally.
For Chile and Mexico, the new units add more than just horsepower. They provide flexibility in ports where ship sizes, safety expectations and operating windows continue to tighten.
