Wilson Sons has opened new facilities at its Training Centre and Towage Operations Centre in Santos, São Paulo, enhancing the company’s operational safety and efficiency. The updated Training Centre, now at Edifício Palazzo on Avenida Ana Costa, features a state-of-the-art tugboat manoeuvre simulator.
The simulator trains captains and maritime workers on safety procedures and advanced technology for the company’s fleet of over 80 tugboats, which operate across more than 25 Brazilian ports, supporting domestic and international trade and the offshore energy sector. It allows crews to analyse manoeuvres for large ships up to 366 meters and test solutions for port-specific challenges, helping reduce operating restrictions.
Rodrigo Bastos, Director of Towage Operations, said the simulator “supports our innovation strategy, increases safety and efficiency, and strengthens the competitiveness of Brazil’s port industry.” Clients and stakeholders can also use the simulator for project analysis and testing.
The Towage Operations Centre (COR), co-located at Edifício Palazzo, monitors Wilson Sons’ fleet 24/7 through AIS signals, ensuring optimal tugboat allocation, safer manoeuvres, and reduced emissions. In 2023, the centre implemented the Artemis operating system, integrating vessel data, meteoceanographic information, and port conditions to improve operational strategies.
Since April 2024, the “Safe WS-Standard Manoeuvre” project has trained over 150 captains in electronic navigation, equipment use, and real-life manoeuvre scenarios. Training includes simulated emergencies, decision-making exercises, and compliance with maritime regulations.
Wilson Sons’ safety record reflects its focus on operations: for the 12 months ended June 30, 2025, the lost-time accident rate was 0.47 per million hours, below the global benchmark of 0.50.
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