SAAM Towage moves 130 metre electric catamaran after Uruguay float off

SAAM Towage has completed the unloading and waterborne transport of the China Zorrilla, a 130 metre electric catamaran, from Nueva Palmira to Colonia in Uruguay.

The aluminium hulled vessel, measuring 32 metres wide, arrived in Uruguayan waters aboard the semi submersible heavy transport vessel Black Marlin. SAAM said the China Zorrilla is the world’s largest fully electric catamaran in its class.

Four tugs support float off and tow

The operation began off Nueva Palmira, where the tugboats Gaucho II and Portobelo assisted with the float off from Black Marlin. The heavy transport vessel used controlled ballasting in water approximately 20 metres deep to submerge its deck until the catamaran became buoyant.

Once the China Zorrilla was afloat, the tugs stabilised the vessel and moved it clear of the transport ship.

The next stage involved an approximately 60 nautical mile transit to Colonia. Matrero and Matrero II handled the journey, which took nearly 10 hours. One tug was positioned at the bow and the other at the stern to maintain steering and control as the catamaran travelled through the Martín García Channel.

Moving a 130 metre vessel without its own operational voyage capability is closer to managing an oversized floating cargo unit than conducting a conventional ship transit, with tug positioning and coordination determining control throughout the route.

Tight berth completes operation

The final stage involved berthing the catamaran at Colonia, where restricted space increased the precision required from the tug crews.

Javiera Hevia, SAAM Towage’s Southern Cone Cluster Manager, said the operation required “meticulous planning and seamless coordination” among the teams involved, adding that crew experience and safety procedures were particularly important for unusual operations of this type.

The China Zorrilla’s arrival adds an unusual cargo profile to the heavy transport market, combining semi submersible ocean transport, controlled float off, harbour towage and a lengthy coastal transfer before final berthing.

Source: Break Bulk News

Sharing is caring!