Sergio Guedes News

The influx of ships and rigs sailing into and out of Brazilian ports since the discovery of large pre-salt plays off Brazil in 2007, and the opening of new ports and shipyards during the past decade has led to a sharp increase in towing operations in Brazil. MR spoke to Sergio Guedes, Director of Operations at Wilson Sons Towage, about the towage and salvage markets in Brazil. Wilson Sons Group is one of the largest integrated operators in port and maritime logistics in Brazil. The company has more than a century of experience and is also present in shipbuilding and offshore support services. Its towage fleet is present in ports all along Brazil’s lengthy coast.

Company vessels in the Brazilian ports of Paranaguá & Vitória will be tracked to enhance security and improve planning. In the beginning of 2013, the company will begin tracking its vessels serving the ports of Paranaguá (Southern Brazil) and Vitória (Southeastern Brazil). After the expansion, 23 tugs will be managed from the Centre. Following the investment of approximately US$ 750,000, the Towage Operational Centre remotely tracks tugboats and generates indicators on the use of vessels, thus helping to develop strategies and reduce risk of accidents. The pilot project of the Towage Operational Centre began in 2010 with research on the new technology.