Panama Canal reinforces tug fleet ahead of expansion

The remaining 12 tractor tugs will arrive within the next 12 months from Astilleros Armon, S.A., the Spanish ship-building company that was awarded the contract in September 2011.  The additional capacity will assist Post-Panamax vessels that will be transiting the expanded Canal, which will not require the use of locomotives as used in the existing locks.

With the arrival of all the new tugs, and after retiring those vessels reaching the end of their lifespan, the Panama Canal will have a fleet of 44 tugboats by the end of next year ready to face the operational demands of the current and expanded Canal.

“These new tugboats will allow the Panama Canal to continue offering a world-class service.  They will help us prepare to face the challenge of operating the new set of locks with the same efficiency,” said Panama Canal Administrator Jorge L. Quiijano.   He added that increasing the tugboat fleet began in 2001, when the waterway had 20 tugs; currently it has 39.