- The MOU focuses on electrification and alternative fuels like methanol and ethanol.
- SAAM Towage operates in 90 ports and continues investing in cleaner technologies.
- Caterpillar Marine aims to cut fuel consumption and GHG emissions for SAAM’s fleet.
Caterpillar Marine has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SAAM Towage to investigate and implement alternative power solutions for its tugboat fleet, including electrification and alternative fuels like methanol and ethanol. The first Cat® 3500E dual-fuel methanol marine engine-powered SAAM Towage tugboat is anticipated to enter service in 2026, reports CAT.
SAAM Towage’s Commitment to Innovation
With headquarters located in Santiago, Chile, SAAM Towage serves over 90 ports within 13 nations and owns more than 150 tugboats equipped with Caterpillar Marine engines. The MOU extends an ongoing partnership to enhance fleet performance as well as enable world carbon emissions reduction targets.
Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Emissions
“We’re committed to empowering SAAM Towage to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during idle time while enhancing the operational efficiency of their fleet,” said Brad Johnson, vice president and general manager at Caterpillar Marine. He emphasized the potential of electrification and alternative fuels in the tugboat industry.
Leading Maritime Sustainability Efforts
“Adopting alternative energy sources that reduce GHG emissions, such as electrification and lower carbon intensity fuels, positions us at the forefront of maritime innovation,” said Pablo Cáceres, director of sustainability and development at SAAM Towage. He highlighted the strategic alliance’s role in advancing sustainable tug power solutions.
Scaling Up Electrification Activities
SAAM Towage already has electrified Cat-powered tugs deployed in British Columbia, Canada, and is set to introduce another to its fleet in Chile. Under the MOU, the company will scale up its electric fleet with Caterpillar’s marine-certified battery solutions.
Embracing Methanol-Powered Tugboats
The contract also allows SAAM Towage to grow its deployment of alternative fuel engines, specifically the methanol dual-fuel Cat 3500E. This engine is designed to run efficiently at high levels of methanol substitution over a wide range of load factors, including the low-load ranges often utilized by tugs.
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Source: CAT
