Wilson Sons celebrates over 500 maneuvers with sustainable tug

Wilson Sons completed the first year of operations with tug WS Centaurus, which uses more environmentally-friendly technology. The WS Centaurus has gone through over 500 maneuvers, providing support for berthing and unberthing operations at the Ponta da Madeira, Itaqui, and Alumar terminals in São Luís. These operations involve large export vessels carrying up to 400,000 tonnes of cargo.

At the Ponta da Madeira terminal, the WS Centaurus assists ships transporting iron ore cargo. At the same time, at the Itaqui port, the tug aids in various cargo operations, including diesel, corn, soy, fertilizers, and pulp.

The WS Centaurus is the first of a series of six vessels equipped with sustainable technology. Constructed at the company’s shipyard in Guarujá (SP), within the Santos port complex, the tug was designed by Damen Shipyards (RSD 2513). Its hull features improved hydrodynamics, resulting in a reduction of fossil fuel consumption by up to 14% and, consequently, reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The inclusion of double keels (twin fins) enhances maneuverability and drag capacity, leading to lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Moreover, the WS Centaurus is the first tugboat in Brazil to comply with the IMO Tier III standard set by the International Maritime Organization. This standard ensures a reduction of over 75% in nitrogen oxide emissions, contributing to improved air quality in ports. Compliance with this requirement is mandatory in North America and Europe.

With a bollard pull of over 90 tons, these new Wilson Sons tugs are the most powerful to operate in Brazil. Measuring 25 meters in length and 13 meters in width, these tugs hold firefighting certification (Fi-Fi 1). They exhibit equal efficiency in forward and aft operations, making them suitable for both port maneuvers and ocean towage.

Wilson Sons maintains its own Tugboat Operations Center (COR) in Santos to enhance operational efficiency and reduce emissions. This facility monitors the fleet of 81 tugboats distributed along the Brazilian coast in real-time, determining the optimal timing for vessel movements and recommending ideal speeds to minimize fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

The company estimates a 5% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions into the atmosphere through the COR. The center’s work ensures safe navigation, preventing vessels from entering shallow areas or encountering obstacles, thereby maximizing the availability of vessels.

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