ASENAV and SAAM sign shipbuilding deal

The contract covers the construction of a state-of-the-art tugboat at ASENAV’s facilities in Valdivia.

“This agreement is good news for Chile,” said SAAM chief executive Macario Valdés.

“It not only demonstrates that the country has the industrial and technological capabilities to compete in demanding markets, but also highlights the value of decentralisation and local development.

“Building this ship in Valdivia will create jobs, activate regional suppliers and strengthen an industry that can reach the world market.”

Designed to the strictest international standards, the vessel is expected to take approximately 15 months to build and will join SAAM’s fleet in Canada during the first half of 2027, supporting harbour and terminal operations.

“This project will be an important way to showcase the shipyard, not only as our first collaboration with a company of SAAM’s calibre, but also because it reaffirms our capacity to manufacture vessels that meet the global industry’s most demanding standards,” said ASENAV chief executive Fernando Rodríguez.

The RAstar 3200W tug, designed by Robert Allan, will measure 32 metres in length and deliver more than 80 tons of bollard pull. It will be equipped with a constant tension winch for escort operations and a Fire-Fighting Class 1 system.

The vessel also incorporates advanced exhaust gas treatment technology compliant with IMO Tier III standards, significantly reducing emissions and supporting decarbonisation goals.

Part of the Chilean Shipbuilding Plan, the project promotes non-traditional exports and regional development. Delivery is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027 and will take advantage of Chile’s Free Trade Agreement with Canada.