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Over 80% More Power for New Panama Tugs
01 Aug 2005
Eight new tugs to the latest 'Z-Tech' design have been ordered for the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) to boost Canal capacity and provide enhanced shiphandling services. As the number of transits by Panamax size vessels increases, the new more powerful tugs will generate over 80% more bollard pull to assist these larger ships. The new vessels will replace eight tugs of the Canal's current fleet of 24 units. Three of the new tugs are scheduled for delivery in December 2006 and five in January 2008.
Commissioned by PSA Marine, the new tugboats were designed by Robert Allan Limited. Representing a breakthrough in tug technology, the 'Z-Tech' combines both the handling of a tractor style tug and an Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tug. Each 'Z-Tech' tug measures 27.4m in length overall and 11.50m in beam and has a minimum bollard pull of 60 tons, 82% more than the vessels they will replace. In addition, the engines to be fitted will have the ability to accelerate from standstill to full ahead within 12 seconds, without heavy smoke pollution.
On announcing the deal, Panama Canal Authority maritime operations director Jorge L Quijano said, 'We are extremely excited to acquire these technologically advanced tugboats. The higher horsepower and manoeuvrability of these tugs will reduce the time taken by vessels on their approach to the locks, thus increasing Canal capacity. The tugs will be invaluable in transiting the ever increasing number of Panamax size vessels that use the Panama Canal and will be an outstanding asset to Canal operations.'
The Panama Canal Authority is the autonomous agency of the Government of Panama in charge of managing, operating and maintaining the Panama Canal.
As part of the ACP's ongoing modernisation program, the new tugs will enhance the waterway's safety, reliability and efficiency.
Other projects within the program include: the replacement of the locomotive tow tracks; the implementation and upgrading of the Automatic Identification System (AIS), a sophisticated navigation system to better monitor ships and route traffic for safety and security purposes;
the addition of a new launch;
the Automated Data Collection System; and the deepening of the Gatun Lake and the Atlantic and Pacific channels.
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