Chile reveals Latin America's first zero-emission tugboat, Trapananda
Chile has launched Latin America’s first fully electric tugboat as part of efforts to reduce pollution and modernise its port services.
The new vessel, named Trapananda, was unveiled during a ceremony at the Empormontt Passenger Terminal in the port city of Puerto Chacabuco, deep in the country’s southern Aysén Region.
The tugboat was built through a partnership between maritime company SAAM and Chile’s national oil firm, Enap.
It will support ships arriving and departing the port and is designed to operate in difficult sea conditions.
Unlike traditional tugboats, Trapananda runs on battery power and does not release any direct carbon dioxide emissions.
It also cuts underwater noise, which helps protect sea life. The electric tug is part of wider efforts to reduce pollution from shipping in Chile and across Latin America.
The tugboat is 25 metres long, built with advanced energy-saving design, and powered by two large electric engines and a lithium battery expected to last 10 years.
It was designed in Canada and built in Turkey. The vessel passed safety tests before entering service and is operated by a Chilean crew trained abroad.
The name Trapananda refers to an old name for Chilean Patagonia, a remote and forested region known for its natural beauty.
SAAM said it chose the name to honour the strength and history of the country’s south.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
