VIDEO: Panama Canal Strengthens Tugboat Fleet for Expansion

13 April 2016 Since 2000, the Panama Canal has been acquiring new tugboats to strengthen its fleet. The tugboat fleet the Panama Canal is ready to handle the operational demand of the current Canal as well as transits through the new lane. The Panama Canal currently has a fleet of 46 tugboats to assist in the transit of ships, 4 for dredging operations, and nine in the reserve fleet. At the same time, the Panama Canal tugboat captains continue training for transits through the expanded waterway. The enhanced tugboat fleet strengthens the Panama Canal’s resources to offer a more reliable, safe, and efficient service to the global shipping industry. Source: Panama Canal Authority