The Panama Canal Tugboats
With the arrival of two new tugboats named Los Santos and Herrera, respectively, in 2002 the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) completed a fleet of 24 units that provides daily services to vessels transiting the Canal.
This equipment is operated by transit Resources Division personnel. The four recently acquired tugboats are made of steel and have a Schottel system for stern azimuthal propulsion. Each features a 4,400-horsepower Deutz engine, with specifications that allow the ACP to provide high quality transit services to its users.
Tugboats are floating equipment that assist ships during their transit through the Panama Canal, mainly in the entrances and exits of the locks and during their journey through Culebra Cut, where greater maneuverability and power are required.
This acquisition is in keeping with the continuing policy of preparing the Panama Canal for the projected increase in traffic demand, and is part of the ACP's modernization and improvement program.
The Transit Resources Division's mission is to provide the tugboat, launch, and linehandler services required to ensure the safe and expeditious passage of ships and other floating equipment through the Canal. At the present time, this Division administers tugboats, 36 launches, linehandler operations, buildings, and landings
