Wilson Sons launches another new high-powered tugboat

Wilson Sons, a port and shipping logistics operator with over 188 years of experience, officially launched its new high-powered tugboat WS Ariel on August 20th at Pier Mauá in Rio de Janeiro. This marks the third vessel in the company's new shipbuilding series, joining WS Halcyon and WS Capella, which were launched in January and May respectively.

All three vessels are built at Wilson Sons' shipyard in Guarujá, São Paulo and belong to the ASD 2312 class, measuring 23 metres in length and 12 metres in width. The WS Ariel is equipped with azimuthal propulsion, has a bollard pull of 73.5 tons, and is capable of supporting the largest ships operating in Brazil during docking and undocking operations.

Its modern design, coupled with optimized propulsion and hull hydrodynamics, leads to reduced fuel consumption and emissions compared to similar vessels. The tugs are highly versatile, featuring a FiFi 1 firefighting system capable of discharging 2.4 million litres of water per hour. These new tugs are part of Wilson Sons' strategy to modernize and expand its fleet, which will now comprise 83 vessels operating along the Brazilian coast.

Márcio Castro, Towage Executive Director at Wilson Sons, emphasized that these modern tugboats reinforce the company's commitment to safer, more efficient, and more sustainable operations, preparing them to serve larger ships and support the efficiency of the logistics chain and the development of Brazil's port sector. Adalberto Souza, CEO of Wilson Sons Shipyard, highlighted the company's investments in technology and the high manoeuvrability of the 2312 class tugs, allowing them to operate closer to the bow and stern of ships, making them versatile for multiple port operations.

Wilson Sons has built 156 vessels in its shipyard, which boasts more than 80 years of history in the industry.