ASENAV shipyard and towage operator SAAM have signed their first shipbuilding contract, marking a milestone for Chile’s maritime industry.
The agreement covers the construction of a state-of-the-art tugboat at ASENAV’s yard in Valdivia. The vessel will meet IMO Tier III environmental standards and support Chile’s national Shipbuilding Plan. Construction will take around 15 months, with delivery scheduled for the first half of 2027. The tug will join SAAM’s fleet in Canada.
SAAM CEO Macario Valdés said the project confirms Chile’s ability to compete in demanding global markets. He highlighted its role in creating jobs, activating regional suppliers, and strengthening local industrial capabilities. Valdés added that sustainable growth also means investing in regional development.
ASENAV CEO Fernando Rodríguez said the contract showcases the yard’s ability to deliver vessels that meet the highest international standards. He noted that the RAstar 3200W tug reflects the quality of Chilean engineering and strengthens ASENAV’s position in the global shipbuilding market.
The 32-metre RAstar 3200W tug, designed by Robert Allan, will deliver more than 80 tonnes of bollard pull. It will feature a constant-tension winch for escort operations and a Fire-Fighting Class 1 system. An advanced exhaust gas treatment system will cut nitrogen oxide emissions and ensure full compliance with IMO Tier III rules.
Designed for demanding escort and indirect towing operations, the tug offers enhanced stability, improved crew comfort, and high safety performance. It will mainly support harbour operations and specialised hydrocarbon terminals.
The project supports Chile’s push into non-traditional shipbuilding exports. It also benefits from Chile’s free trade agreement with Canada, reinforcing the country’s role as a competitive shipbuilding hub in the Americas.
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