The Panama Canal Authority has ordered 14 new tugs in anticipation of increased traffic and larger vessels expected with the 2014 completion of the Third Set of Locks expansion project. The $158.3 million construction contract was awarded to Astilleros Armon S.A. of Spain, who beat out nearly 20 other bidders from countries in South America, Europe and Asia.
The contract calls for the construction, testing and delivery of fourteen 70-ton tractor-type tugs to be used for assisting larger vessels with transit operations, anchoring and other maneuvers in the canal. The first vessel will be delivered within 600 days of being awarded.
The Panama Canal currently has a fleet of 36 tugs to assist more than 14,000 transits every year. Earlier this week, the Panama Canal reported it had set a new tonnage record in 2011.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 105,959 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
By Yimou Lee TAIPEI, March 7 (Reuters) – China has stepped up grey-zone warfare against Taiwan, aiming to make the areas around the democratic island “saturated” with balloons, drones and civilian boats,...
Austal USA has kicked off plans to construct a new manufacturing facility, marking a significant expansion of its shipyard capacity in Mobile, Alabama in support of U.S. Navy and Coast...
Oldendorff and Norsepower have announced an agreement to install three Norsepower Rotor Sails™ on board a modern bulk carrier to reduce its emissions. The vessel, Dietrich Oldendorff, will be equipped...
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
Sign Up
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 105,959 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
