Chile-based operator SAAM Towage, which operates throughout North and South America, is continuing to build up its fleet, this time with a new, state-of-the-art tug, ‘Halcón III’, designed by Canada’s Robert Allan Ltd.
SAAM Towage country manager for Chile and Peru, Cristián Cifuentes, said: “Our fleet already has three RA2400SX units designed by Robert Allan, all built by Sanmar Shipyards. We have confirmed not only that this is an ideal tug for ports with restricted manoeuvring space, but also that, thanks to its hull design and special operating features, it is an energy-efficient vessel for any of the countries where SAAM Towage operates.”
This tug has 70 tons of bollard pull with a ‘fire-fighting 1’ notation. It is powered by CAT 3516C engines and Kongsberg US205FP thrusters with total power of 4200kW. Tank capacities include 72,400l of fuel oil and 10,800l of fresh water.
The vessel has set sail from Tuzla (Turkey) on route to the Panama Canal and is expected to reach its base at Valparaíso in 50 days. The Halcón III is a sister ship to the Albatros, which operates in Peru, and is the same series as the Valparaíso and the Palenque. Measuring 24.4m in length and 11.25m beam, it can reach a maximum speed of 12.5 knots.
