Wilson Sons Launches Third New-Series Tugboat WS Ariel

pull, giving it the capacity to support the largest ships operating in Brazil during docking and undocking maneuvers. The design incorporates optimized propulsion and hull hydrodynamics intended to reduce fuel consumption and emissions relative to comparable vessels, and the tug is equipped with a FiFi 1 firefighting system capable of pumping 2.4 million liters of water per hour. The new tugboats form part of Wilson Sons' strategy to modernize and expand its fleet, which will now total 83 vessels operating along the Brazilian coast. Márcio Castro, Towage Executive Director at Wilson Sons, said the new tugboat cycle supports safer, more efficient and more sustainable operations able to serve increasingly larger ships. Wilson Sons Shipyard CEO Adalberto Souza noted the 2312 class's higher maneuverability allows tugs to operate closer to a vessel's bow and stern, supporting large ships such as New Panamax vessels alongside other port operations. With WS Ariel, the shipyard, which has more than 80 years of history, has built 156 vessels in total.