Before 2000, the Canal was operated by the Panama Canal Commission; beginning on January 1, 2000 (Y2K), the Commission was replaced by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP). It appears the first tugs purchased by the ACP were from Canada, specifically from Irving Shipbuilding. One was Colón. It arrived in Panama in late 2001.
We encountered this tug near the Atlantic Bridge project, which will span both the 1914 locks and the latest set, Aqua Clara on the north end.
Compared with the US-built ones in yesterday’s post, the Canadians are about 5′ longer and 2′ wider. Colón is rated at 54 tons bollard pull generated by two Deutz SBV-8M-628s produced 4400 hp transmitted by Schottel SRP 1212s with Kort nozzles.
Coclé, shown here in Miraflores Lake, was the other tug in that contract.
Herrera, shown here assisting a bunker from the Miraflores lock to the Pedro Miguel, fits the same dimensions and arrival time in the Canal, although I’ve not sure how to explain how the Irving order went from two to more.
All photos by Will Van Dorp, who offers more tomorrow.
tugster: a waterblog 
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March 25, 2018 at 4:25 pm
James c single
You made a comment about not knowing about Eastern Shipbuilding in Boothbay, ME. It was owned by Charlie Robertson during the time of his First ownership of American Cruise lines. I believe it was the old Gamage yard. He went on to purchase the yard in MD where he relocated. That hull could have been an early mini-cruise ship from the old American Cruise line.
March 25, 2018 at 5:16 pm
mageb
Thanks for all these wonderful details of Panamanian life. I was so hot when we were there that I couldn’t focus.