SAAM Towage and Caterpillar Marine signed a Memorandum of Understanding , to evaluate and implement alternative power solutions to diesel, including electrification and alternative fuels such as methanol and ethanol, for the tug fleet.
Both companies are already working on a dual-fuel engine—the Cat® 3500E—which will use methanol and is expected to begin testing this year.
SAAM Towage’s Sustainability and Development Manager, Pablo Cáceres, commented, “This alliance is in line with the sustainable development objectives that the company has set for itself and is a powerful tool to address the challenges presented by climate change and the decarbonization efforts of the global maritime industry.”
He added, “Adopting alternative energy sources that reduce GHG emissions, such as electrification and less carbon-intensive fuels, positions us at the forefront of maritime innovation.”
SAAM Towage is a leader in towage and marine services at more than 90 ports in 13 countries in the Americas. With over 150 tugs powered by Caterpillar Marine engines, SAAM Towage works closely with the company to leverage the latest technologies to improve fleet performance.
“We are committed to supporting SAAM Towage in reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while improving its fleet’s operational efficiency,” said Caterpillar Marine vice president and general manager Brad Johnson.
SAAM Towage already operates two electric tugs with CAT engines in British Columbia (Canada) and is preparing to receive its third such tug for its operations in Chile.
