The strategic collaboration between both companies marks a turning point in the decarbonization of the maritime sector, with the operation of this vessel in Puerto Chacabuco, Aysén Region.
Enap and SAAM celebrated a historic milestone for the country and the region: the christening of Trapananda, the first electric tugboat in Latin America. This is a key step in the energy transition of the maritime sector and a concrete advancement toward more sustainable operations.
The vessel stands out for having zero direct CO₂ emissions and for reducing the emission of underwater noise, protecting marine life and actively contributing to the decarbonization of the port sector. Thanks to a strategic collaboration with Enap, the electric tugboat will operate in one of the southernmost terminals in the world—Puerto Chacabuco, in the Aysén Region—supporting docking and undocking maneuvers of ships.
“The arrival of Trapananda marks a turning point for our industry. We are moving forward with conviction toward cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally respectful operations. This project represents a forward-looking approach: we develop solutions that not only tow and assist ships, but also drive change toward a truly sustainable logistics chain. On this path, we have found in Enap a partner with a shared vision,” said SAAM’s CEO, Macario Valdés.
“At Enap we have a clear mandate: to ensure a reliable, efficient, and high-quality energy supply for Chile. But today that mandate demands more than compliance, it demands transformation. In our 80-year history, we reaffirm our commitment to the country by innovating with responsibility and a vision for the future. The incorporation of this tugboat, the result of a virtuous alliance with SAAM, demonstrates that when the public and private sectors come together with determination, it is possible to advance in complex challenges such as decarbonization. This step is a concrete sign that we can indeed accelerate the energy transition through collaboration and action,” added Enap’s Chairwoman, Gloria Maldonado.
Operated by a local SAAM team trained for high-precision maneuvers, this unit joins the two electric tugboats the company already operates in Canada.
The christening ceremony of this vessel, held at the Empormontt Passenger Terminal, brought together local authorities, executives from both companies, and representatives of the maritime-port community, marking a key moment in the evolution toward a cleaner and more efficient industry.
Its name: “Trapananda”
The tugboat was christened Trapananda in honor of the old name by which Chilean Patagonia was known—a remote, untamed land covered in dense forests, which for the early Spanish explorers represented an unexplored and challenging territory.
With this name, SAAM seeks to pay tribute to the history, strength, and unique beauty of southern Chile, where this vessel will begin its operations.
Technical details
It is 25 meters long and 13 meters wide. It has a bollard pull capacity of over 70 tons, allowing it to assist large vessels in challenging port conditions. It is equipped with two electric azimuth thrusters of 2,100 kW each, powered by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 3,616 kWh, distributed in two compartments.
Its design—created by Robert Allan Ltd. and built by the Sanmar shipyard in Turkey—is optimized to reduce hull resistance while maximizing energy efficiency. The batteries, remotely monitored by the manufacturer from Norway, have an estimated lifespan of 10 years.
The vessel underwent rigorous sea acceptance trials and will be operated by a highly specialized local crew, whose members were trained in Canada.