The Panama Canal has added two new tugboats to its fleet as part of an ongoing effort to enhance operational efficiency and ensure safe, reliable transits through the waterway. The new vessels, named Isla Carenero and Isla Parida, were officially introduced during a ceremony held at the Amador Cruise Terminal.
Each tugboat measures 27 meters in length with a beam of 12 meters, and both are Z-Tech 6000 models—known globally for their high performance, energy efficiency, and maneuverability. This model is widely used in major ports around the world and is particularly suited for the intensive operational demands of the Panama Canal.
The new tugs will support a range of critical functions, including assisting vessels during lock approaches and departures, as well as during transits through the Culebra Cut—one of the most technically challenging sections of the canal. They are also essential for operations at the Neopanamax locks, where tight navigation and precision are key to maintaining traffic flow and safety.
