Wilson Sons, Brazil’s leading port and maritime logistics operator, has officially christened the WS Halcyon, the first vessel in a new series of high-performance tugboats. Launched in Rio de Janeiro, this vessel marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing strategy to modernize its fleet of over 80 tugs. By introducing advanced technology to Brazil’s main ports, Wilson Sons is reinforcing its capacity to handle the world’s largest ships and enhancing the overall efficiency of the national supply chain.
Built at the company’s specialized shipyard in Guarujá, the WS Halcyon is a class 2312 tug featuring azimuth propulsion and a formidable 70 tons of bollard pull. Measuring 23 meters in length and 12 meters in width, the tug is designed to support the berthing and unberthing of massive New Panamax container ships. Beyond its towing power, the vessel is equipped with a state-of-the-art FiFi 1 firefighting system capable of discharging 2.4 million liters of water per hour, ensuring high safety standards for port operations.
This launch is part of a broader investment cycle that includes the construction of two additional 2312 class tugboats, both scheduled for delivery by mid-2026. These vessels are engineered to meet strict international standards, focusing on sustainability and the reduction of environmental impact through optimized hull designs and efficient propulsion systems. The completion of this series will bring the total number of vessels built by Wilson Sons’ shipyard to 155, highlighting the company’s 80-year legacy of domestic shipbuilding excellence.