Wilson Sons employes new tugboat in the port of São Luís

The new tugboat from Wilson Sons, WS Centaurus, which started operations in June, will join the fleet of tugboats that the company maintains in São Luís to support operations of iron ore vessels at the Maritime Terminal of Ponta da Madeira and in the ports of Itaqui and Alumar. With 91 tonnes of bollard pull, the new tug is the most powerful to operate in Brazil.

“The WS Centaurus will operate in São Luiz do Maranhão, helping to increase the efficiency of the Wilson Sons fleet of 11 tugboats that operate in ports in the region. In addition, the vessel will support the large ships that arrive at the Ponta da Madeira terminal to move iron ore and require powerful tugs. Its performance will also support the Port of Itaqui, registering growth in movement in the agribusiness segments, with loads of grains and fertilizers, and liquids, such as oil and derivatives,” explains Márcio Castro, executive director of Wilson Sons tugboat division.

Emissions reduction

WS Centaurus is the first of a series of six new tugboats owned by the company that will bring a new concept to Brazil. As part of the Damen RSD 2513 project, the barge features a new hull design that allows an estimated reduction of up to 14% in greenhouse gas emissions due to more efficient hydrodynamics. In addition, the double fins improve navigation and increase the drag capacity during maneuvers, guaranteeing a reduction in fuel consumption and, consequently, emissions.

In addition, the new vessels are the first in the country to follow the IMO TIER III standard, which promotes the reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 75%, contributing to the improvement of air quality in the ports where they operate. This standard is required in some regions of North America and Europe. Built at the Wilson Sons shipyard in Guarujá, with a project by Damen Shipyards, the new tug has Escort Tug class notation, is certified for firefighting (Fi-Fi 1), and is 25 meters long and 13 meters long. Another two new tugs will be delivered later this year – and the others will enter into operation throughout 2023.

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