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Wilson Sons invests in new technologies to reduce GHG emissionsWilson Sons invests in new technologies to reduce GHG emissions

Wilson Sons, the largest operator of port and maritime logistics in the Brazilian market, has invested to reduce the environmental impact of its operations and contribute to the global effort for climate balance.

Michele Labrut, Americas Correspondent

August 27, 2021

1 Min Read
Wilson Sons sustainability
Photo: Wilson Sons

The company has incorporated IMO TIER III standard, which reduces by more than 75% the emission levels of nitrogen oxides, in the company's four tugboats that are being built at the Group's shipyard in Guarujá at a cost of $290,000.

The first tugboat built with this standard should start operating in February of next year and the second one in August. The project is developed by Damen Shipyards, a Wilson Sons' partner for more than 25 years, and the vessels will have 80 tonnes of bollard pull (TBP), 25 metres long and 13 metres wide, with Escort Tug class notation.  

With this technology, the new tugboats will comply with the requirements of the North American and European markets, determined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as emission control areas.

"Wilson Sons is being a pioneer in Brazil in meeting the requirements of Tier III standard, since it is not a requirement for the national territory, anticipating an eventual regulation in the country," explained Rodrigo Bastos, director of operations of the Towage unit.

In these projects, Wilson Sons will also use another pioneer technology in the market, the "twin fin", a set of fins that increases the drag capacity during manoeuvres, and improves the performance of the tug. With this, for the same traction, less power is demanded and, consequently, there is a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.

Related:Wilson Sons joins the Carbon Disclosure Project

About the Author

Michele Labrut

Americas Correspondent

Michèle Labrut is a long-time Panama resident, a journalist and correspondent, and has continuously covered the maritime sector of Central & Latin America.

Michèle first came to Panama as a press attaché to the French Embassy and then returned to the isthmus as a foreign correspondent in the 1980s.

Author of Seatrade Maritime's annual Panama Maritime Review magazine and of several books, Michèle also wrote for Time magazine, The Miami Herald, NBC News and the Economist Intelligence Unit. She has also collaborated in making several documentaries for the BBC and European and U.S. television networks.

Michèle's profession necessitates a profound knowledge of the country, but her acumen is not from necessity alone, but a genuine passion for Panama.

In 2012 she was awarded the Order of Merit (Knight grade) by the French Government for her services to international journalism and in 2021 the upgrade to Chevalier grade.

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