Sanmar-built tug SAAM Ximbal is set to strengthen SAAM Towage’s harbour operations at Mexico’s Lázaro Cárdenas port
SAAM Towage is strengthening its operations in Mexico with the addition of a new harbour tug, ‘SAAM Ximbal’, which is currently en route to the country ahead of joining the company’s fleet at the port of Lázaro Cárdenas, one of the main commercial ports in the Pacific.
Built by Turkish shipbuilder Sanmar Shipyards, the new tug is designed to enhance port manoeuvring capabilities, operational safety and energy efficiency at one of Mexico’s principal commercial ports.
The addition reflects SAAM Towage’s continued investment in fleet modernisation and its commitment to supporting growing maritime and logistics activity in the region.
“The addition of the SAAM Ximbal to our Mexican operations reflects our ongoing commitment to modernizing our services in the region. Lázaro Cárdenas is a key logistics hub for foreign trade, and adding a unit with over 80 tons of bollard pull, a compact design and high environmental sustainability standards ensures safe, agile operations aligned with the demands of modern maritime transport,” explained Cristian Espinoza, Country Manager of SAAM Towage Mexico.
The vessel is based on the RAmparts 2400SX-MKII designed by Canadian naval architecture firm Robert Allan Ltd. Its compact dimensions and high-performance propulsion system are intended to deliver strong manoeuvrability in confined port environments while providing the traction required for demanding escort, berthing and harbour assistance operations.
The SAAM Ximbal measures 24.4 metres in length overall, with a beam of 12 metres and a navigational draught of 5.45 metres.
Propulsion is provided by two Caterpillar CAT 3516E engines, each delivering 2,350 kW at 1,800 rpm. The installation provides more than 80 tonnes of bollard pull and a maximum speed of 13 knots.
The tug is also equipped with firefighting capabilities certified to the international FiFi 1 standard, supporting emergency response operations within the port.
Environmental considerations have been incorporated into the vessel’s design, with a wastewater treatment plant and oily water separator installed to minimise its environmental footprint. High levels of automation in both the wheelhouse and engine room further support efficient vessel management and operations.
The vessel’s name, Ximbal, comes from the Mayan language and means travelling or moving forward, reflecting SAAM Towage’s ambitions to support customers with a modern fleet as ports and maritime operations continue to evolve.
” It accurately reflects what we want to do at SAAM: support and assist our customers with a modern fleet prepared to accompany them as ports evolve,” Espinoza added.
The arrival of SAAM Ximbal will provide additional harbour assistance capacity at Lázaro Cárdenas, supporting the safe and efficient movement of commercial shipping at one of Mexico’s key Pacific trade gateways.
