Panama City – The Panama Canal Authority has recently inaugurated the "Isla Barro Colorado," the first of ten new hybrid tugboats ordered from Spanish shipbuilder Astilleros Armón. Designed with a length of 28.9 meters and a width of 14 meters, the tugboat offers enhanced maneuverability for precise operations in the canal.

Equipped with a hybrid propulsion system, including a 445-kilowatt battery, the vessel significantly reduces emissions and improves energy efficiency. These features align with the canal's sustainability goals, aiming to minimize environmental impact and optimize fuel consumption during operations.

Scheduled to enter service in mid-2025, the tugboat is powered by two 2,331-kilowatt engines and boasts an 80-ton bollard pull. It also features a FIFI1 firefighting system and unmanned machinery, prioritizing safety in all operations.

Armón Shipyards, based in Spain, previously built 14 tugboats for the canal between 2011 and 2015.

As part of its commitment to sustainable operations, the Panama Canal Authority is continuously adopting innovative green technologies. The introduction of hybrid tugboats is a significant step forward in enhancing the canal's operational efficiency and environmental performance.

Benefits of Hybrid Tugboats:

Environmental Friendliness: Reduced emissions and improved energy efficiency through hybrid propulsion systems.
Enhanced Maneuverability: Improved maneuverability for safer and more efficient operations in complex conditions.

Cost-Effectiveness: Reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs lead to lower operating expenses.
The deployment of hybrid tugboats in the Panama Canal represents a significant milestone in the maritime industry's transition towards sustainability. This initiative is expected to contribute to the future development of a more environmentally friendly shipping industry.