Caterpillar Marine has entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SAAM Towage to assess and implement alternative power solutions, including electrification and alternative fuels such as methanol and ethanol, for its tugboat fleet.
The first SAAM Towage tugboat powered by Cat 3500E dual-fuel methanol marine engines is anticipated to embark on its first job in 2026.
Headquartered in Chile, SAAM Towage offers towage and maritime services at more than 90 ports spanning 13 countries. With more than 150 tugs powered by Caterpillar Marine engines, SAAM Towage works closely with the company to leverage the latest technologies to enhance fleet performance. The MoU builds on this foundation to intensify the towage company’s continued investment in new propulsion and power technologies that align with the global maritime industry’s carbon reduction efforts.
Brad Johnson, VP and GM, Caterpillar Marine, said: “We’re committed to empowering SAAM Towage to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during idle time while enhancing the operational efficiency of their fleet. Maritime electrification and the use of alternative fuels offer significant opportunities for the tugboat segment, depending on operators’ needs.”
Pablo Cáceres, director of sustainability and development, SAAM Towage, added: “Adopting alternative energy sources that reduce GHG emissions, such as electrification and lower carbon intensity fuels, positions us at the forefront of maritime innovation. We’re excited to forge this strategic alliance with Caterpillar Marine to help pioneer sustainable tug power options as we support our operational and climate-related objectives.”
Supported by the global Cat dealer network, this collaborative initiative aims to advance SAAM Towage’s climate-related objectives across its Americas operations. The towage company currently operates a number of electrified Cat-powered tugs in British Columbia, Canada and is preparing to receive its third tugboat for SAAM operations in Chile. SAAM Towage anticipates expanding its electric fleet with Caterpillar’s marine-certified battery solutions under the MoU.
Additionally, the MoU enables SAAM Towage to augment its use of alternative fuel Caterpillar Marine engines with the methanol dual-fuel Cat 3500E. The engine is optimised to achieve high methanol substitution rates over a wide range of load factors, including the low load ranges used most by tugs.
Image: SAAM Towage is working with Caterpillar Marine to cut GHG emissions (source: Caterpillar)
