Wilson Sons launches new high-powered tugboat in Brazil
Wilson Sons, a port and maritime logistics operator with more than 188 years in the market, christened the WS Ariel on August 20 at Pier Mauá, in Rio de Janeiro.
The vessel is the third high-powered tugboat in the company’s new series, reinforcing the modernization of the Wilson Sons tugboat fleet and its capacity to support larger ships calling at Brazilian ports.
Like the WS Halcyon and WS Capella, launched in January and May, respectively, the WS Ariel was built at Wilson Sons’ shipyard in Guarujá, São Paulo state.
The tugboat belongs to the ASD 2312 class, measuring 23 meters in length and 12 meters in beam. It is equipped with azimuth propulsion and has a bollard pull of 73.5 metric tons, allowing it to assist the largest vessels operating in Brazil during berthing and unberthing maneuvers.
Its modern design, combined with optimized propulsion and hull hydrodynamics, reduces fuel consumption and emissions compared with similar vessels. The WS Ariel is also equipped with a FiFi 1 firefighting system, capable of pumping 2.4 million liters of water per hour.
The new tugboats are part of Wilson Sons’ strategy to modernize and expand its fleet, which now includes 83 vessels operating along the Brazilian coast.
“This new cycle of tugboats reinforces our commitment to safer, more efficient and more sustainable operations. The vessels are prepared to serve increasingly larger ships and contribute to the efficiency of the logistics chain and the development of Brazil’s port sector,” said Márcio Castro, executive director of towage at Wilson Sons.
Adalberto Souza, executive director of the Wilson Sons shipyard, highlighted the company’s investments in technology and the high maneuverability of the 2312-class tugboats.
“Greater maneuverability allows the tugboats to operate closer to the bow and stern of ships. In addition to serving large vessels, such as New Panamax ships, they are versatile and prepared for different port operations,” Souza said.
With the WS Ariel, Wilson Sons has now built 156 vessels at its shipyard, which has more than 80 years of history.
The launch further strengthens the Wilson Sons tugboat fleet as Brazilian ports adapt to larger vessels and rising operational demands.
Source: Wilson Sons