The sequence now has been US-built pre-2000, Canadian right after 2000, then Chinese with Wärtsiläs, then Chinese with GEs.  Also, bollard pull had gone from 32 to 54 to 61.

The next order of tugs went to Armon Astillero (shipyard) in Spain, the shipyard that launched all the tugs in this post.  Cerro Jefe, like the others in this series is 94.7′ x 44.3′, and uses the GE 8L 250 to generate 6250 hp transmitted via Schottel SRP 2020 FPs for 82 tons of bollard pull.  Here Cerro Jefe heads into Cristobal.

Off the stern of Maran Gas Pericles, an LNG tanker transporting product out of the US,

is Cerro Grande, hanging “cut-style” and serving as an external rudder off the stern of the ship, and

beyond her, that’s Cerro Punta.  The new rules require that LNG tankers are accompanied by two tugs during the entire transit.

 

 

 

In Gamboa, we encountered Cerro Canajagua as she

fell in behind Valparaiso Express, a NeoPanamax container vessel.  These two are escorted through the entire transit.

And finally, in Miraflores Lake, it’s Cerro Pando awaiting orders.  By the way, “cerro” means “hill,” and this class of tugs is named for geographical high points in Panama.  For greater detail on the Spanish tugs, click here.

All photos by Will Van Dorp, who alone is responsible for any errors in fact.

I’m still looking for photos of helm seats, captain’s chairs.  I’d like to do a post on them.  I’m looking for the full range:   luxurious to decrepit or basic or high-tech.  Email me a photo of the chair and identify the vessel. You don’t need to be sitting in it.  I’ve got a good number of photos so far, but I’d like to see greater variety.  Thanks to all of you who’ve already shared photos.