SAAM Towage has officially christened the SAAM Petrel in Arica, Chile, as the tugboat supports port operations in the region.
The ceremony brought together local authorities, port representatives and SAAM employees.
SAAM Petrel is the first tugboat in the company’s Chilean fleet to meet IMO Tier III emissions standards. The standards aim to significantly reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
The vessel has an 80-tonne bollard pull capacity. It will support ship berthing and unberthing operations in Arica.
Part of SAAM’s fleet renewal programme
Robert Allan designed the tugboat, while Sanmar Shipyards built it in Turkey. The vessel forms part of SAAM Towage’s wider fleet renewal programme.
“The christening of the Petrel truly embodies our purpose as a company: driving sustainable global trade that fosters development and well-being for all,” said Hernán Gómez, CEO, SAAM.
“Investing in these capabilities enables us to keep connecting Chile to the world through services that are increasingly efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible,” he added.
Javiera Hevia, Southern Cone Cluster Manager for SAAM Towage, also highlighted the vessel’s technology and safety capabilities.
“The Petrel not only brings cutting-edge technology to swiftly meet customer demands, but it also reflects our crews’ day-to-day commitment to operating under the highest safety standards,” said Hevia.
Jenny Muñoz, who has worked at SAAM for 25 years, served as the vessel’s godmother during the christening ceremony.
