Trapananda: Pioneering Electric Tugboat in Latin America by SAAM Towage

SAAM Towage launched Trapananda, Latin America’s first electric tugboat, at a christening event held at the Empormontt Passenger Terminal in Puerto Chacabuco, Chile. The ceremony was attended by local authorities, company executives, and maritime community representatives.

The tugboat stands out with “zero direct CO₂ emissions” and reduced underwater noise, benefiting marine ecosystems and supporting port decarbonization. It will assist in ship berthing and deberthing operations in partnership with Enap.

Enap chairwoman Gloria Maldonado highlighted the collaboration with SAAM as a model for tackling decarbonization challenges through public-private efforts, accelerating the energy transition.

Measuring 25m in length and 13 m in beam, Trapananda features two 2 100 kW electric azimuth thrusters and a 3 616 kWh lithium-ion battery system, monitored remotely from Norway with a 10-year lifespan. With a bollard pull of 70 tons, it can handle large vessels in tough harbor conditions.

Designed by Robert Allan and built by Sanmar Shipyard in Turkey, the vessel has an energy-efficient hull. It has completed seaworthiness tests and will be operated by a local SAAM crew trained in Canada. The tug joins SAAM’s two existing electric tugboats in Canada.

SAAM CEO Macario Valdes stated that Trapananda marks a turning point for the industry, driving cleaner and more efficient operations toward a sustainable logistics chain.