SAAM Towage Expands Fleet with Two New SANMAR-Built Tugboats for Chile and Mexico

SAAM Towage has taken delivery of two new tugboats built by SANMAR Shipyards in Türkiye following the successful completion of sea trials. The vessels, SAAM Carancho and SAAM Kanan, will be deployed in Chile and Mexico, respectively, as part of the company’s ongoing fleet renewal programme.

The additions increase SAAM Towage’s fleet of SANMAR-built tugboats to 15, extending a partnership between the two companies that began in 2018.

Fleet Modernisation Supports Regional Operations

According to SAAM Towage, the new tugboats are intended to enhance operational capabilities while supporting customer requirements across key ports in Latin America.

Pablo Cáceres, Manager of Innovation and New Construction at SAAM Towage, said:

“These new units reflect our ongoing efforts to modernize our fleet and offer solutions tailored to the needs of our customers and their operations. These advances are part of our growth strategy, which we have set as a strategic objective.”

SAAM Carancho to Operate in Chile

SAAM Carancho is an ESCORT Biğaçay-class tug based on the RAstar 2900SX design developed by Robert Allan Ltd.

The vessel delivers 80 tonnes of bollard pull, is powered by 2,350 kW Caterpillar engines, and has a top speed of 12 knots. It is also equipped with a constant-tension escort winch and Fire-Fighting 1 (FiFi 1) capability.

The tug will support operations in Chile, where it will perform escort and harbour assistance duties requiring high manoeuvrability in confined waters and varying sea conditions.

SAAM Kanan to Strengthen Operations in Mexico

The SAAM Kanan is a Boğaçay-class tug based on the RAmparts 2400SX-MKII design.

Like its sister vessel, it is powered by 2,350 kW Caterpillar engines, offers 80 tonnes of bollard pull, and is certified with a Fire-Fighting 1 class notation.

The tug has been designed for operations in busy port environments and will be deployed in Mexico to provide towage and harbour assistance services.

Long-Term Partnership with SANMAR

The latest deliveries reinforce SAAM Towage’s long-standing collaboration with Turkish shipbuilder SANMAR, with both companies citing a shared focus on operational safety, efficiency and sustainability in tugboat design and construction.