SAAM Takes Full Control of Intertug’s Ops in Colombia and Mexico

Why It Matters

Full control enables SAAM to streamline operations, expand its regional market share, and pursue a sustainable, flexible towage model critical to global trade.

Key Takeaways

• SAAM paid $30.5 million for Intertug’s remaining 30% stake.
• Ownership now covers Colombia and Mexico, completing SAAM’s Latin America footprint.
• Fleet exceeds 200 tugboats, serving 90+ ports and 155k annual maneuvers.
• Deal supports SAAM’s 2030 growth plan and sustainability objectives.

Pulse Analysis

SAAM’s completion of the $30.5 million purchase of Intertug’s remaining 30 percent stake marks the final step in its consolidation of towage services across Colombia and Mexico. The move builds on the 2021 acquisition of a 70 percent interest that first gave SAAM a foothold in the Colombian market and complemented its existing Mexican operations. With full ownership, SAAM Towage now commands a fleet of more than 200 tugboats that operate in over 90 ports throughout the Americas, handling roughly 155,000 vessel maneuvers each year.

The acquisition delivers immediate operational synergies. By unifying management, SAAM can standardize scheduling, maintenance, and crew training across the two countries, reducing overhead and improving vessel utilization. The company also plans to integrate greener propulsion technologies and digital tracking platforms, aligning with its stated goal of a flexible, sustainable operating model. In a region where port congestion and environmental regulations are tightening, these efficiencies give SAAM a competitive edge and position it as a preferred partner for container ships, tankers, and LNG carriers.

Looking ahead, the full control of Intertug’s assets dovetails with SAAM’s 2030 growth roadmap, which targets expanded geographic coverage and higher revenue per maneuver. The towage market, valued at several billion dollars globally, is critical to the flow of trade and is expected to benefit from rising cargo volumes and offshore energy projects. SAAM’s enlarged presence in Latin America not only strengthens its bargaining power with major shipping lines but also creates a platform for future acquisitions or joint ventures in neighboring markets.