Sanmar Delivers Two Modern Tugs to SAAM Towage

Post by : Amit

Istanbul / Valparaíso — Turkish shipbuilder Sanmar Shipyards has successfully delivered two modern and environmentally friendly tugboats to SAAM Towage, one of the largest tug operators in the Americas. The vessels, named Saam Condor and Saam Albatros, are part of SAAM’s ongoing effort to expand and modernize its fleet with advanced, sustainable, and high-performance workboats tailored for diverse port and terminal operations.

Built at Sanmar’s state-of-the-art facility in Turkey, the newly delivered tugs are part of the RAmparts 2400SX series, designed by Canada-based naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. These tugboats are known for their compact yet powerful design, enabling them to handle a wide variety of tasks including ship escort, harbor towage, and coastal assistance—all while minimizing emissions and improving fuel efficiency.

Each vessel measures approximately 24 meters in length, is powered by twin high-efficiency engines, and is fitted with advanced azimuth thrusters for exceptional maneuverability. They offer a bollard pull of over 70 tons, giving them the strength needed to service large vessels safely in confined harbor spaces and high-traffic port zones.

What makes these tugs especially significant is their contribution to greener maritime operations. Sanmar and SAAM Towage have both emphasized that these vessels include the latest in energy-efficient propulsion and emissions reduction technologies, aligning with the global push for more sustainable port infrastructure and low-impact towing solutions.

SAAM Condor and SAAM Albatros will be deployed in South American ports, with expectations they will enhance safety, reduce environmental impact, and increase operational reliability in regions with growing maritime trade volumes. The addition of these tugs strengthens SAAM’s ability to meet rising demand for marine services in critical ports across Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico.

The partnership between Sanmar Shipyards and SAAM Towage is a testament to the global collaboration driving the future of workboat innovation. Sanmar has delivered multiple vessels to SAAM in recent years and is recognized for its track record of quality, performance, and after-sale support.

According to executives at SAAM Towage, the decision to source vessels from Sanmar was based on proven reliability, technical sophistication, and the builder’s ability to deliver on schedule. The tugs were launched and completed sea trials ahead of expectations, reflecting Sanmar’s focus on engineering precision and customer satisfaction.

As global shipping continues to grow in volume and complexity, tugboat operators are under pressure to invest in next-generation assets that can meet modern safety standards, reduce emissions, and perform across a broad range of port environments. Deliveries like these demonstrate how mid-sized, purpose-built tugs are playing an increasingly vital role in the logistics chain that keeps global trade flowing.

Towage, Terminal Operations