SAAM Towage moves world’s largest electric catamaran in Uruguay

SAAM Towage has completed the unloading and transport of the China Zorrilla, described as the world’s largest 100% electric catamaran in its class.

The 130-metre-long vessel was floated off near Nueva Palmira before being towed around 60 nautical miles to Colonia, Uruguay. The operation involved four SAAM Towage tugboats and took approximately ten hours.

China Zorrilla arrives aboard semi-submersible vessel

The aluminium-hulled China Zorrilla, which is also 32 metres wide, arrived in Uruguayan waters aboard the semi-submersible heavy transport vessel Black Marlin.

The float-off took place in waters around 20 metres deep near Nueva Palmira. During the operation, Black Marlin used a controlled ballast manoeuvre to submerge its deck, allowing the catamaran to float using its own buoyancy.

SAAM Towage’s Gaucho II and Portobelo then stabilised the vessel and guided it away from the semi-submersible ship.

Four tugs support operation

Once the catamaran was safely in the water, Matrero and Matrero II took over for the journey to Colonia.

The two tugs were positioned at the bow and stern of the catamaran to maintain control during the voyage through the Martín García Channel.

After nearly ten hours, the operation concluded with the berthing of China Zorrilla at the wharf in Colonia.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of this operation, which required meticulous planning and seamless coordination among all the teams,” said Javiera Hevia, Southern Cone Cluster Manager at SAAM Towage.

She added that the experience of the crews and a strong safety culture were important in completing the operation.