Wilson Sons is doubling down on safety and efficiency with a pair of upgrades to its Santos, São Paulo hub. The company has opened a revamped Training Centre and Towage Operations Centre (COR) at Edifício Palazzo on Avenida Ana Costa, packing in tech that could redefine how tug operators prepare for the real world.
The star of the show is a state-of-the-art tugboat manoeuvre simulator, a tool that lets crews rehearse high-stakes scenarios before stepping onto a deck. This isn’t just about pressing buttons—it’s about building muscle memory for critical decisions. The simulator can replicate manoeuvres for vessels up to 366 meters long, allowing crews to test solutions for port-specific challenges. For a fleet of over 80 tugs operating across 25 Brazilian ports, this kind of preparation could translate into fewer restrictions and smoother operations.
Rodrigo Bastos, Director of Towage Operations, puts it bluntly: “This supports our innovation strategy, increases safety and efficiency, and strengthens the competitiveness of Brazil’s port industry.” That’s not just corporate speak. The simulator isn’t just for Wilson Sons’ crews—clients and stakeholders can also use it for project analysis and testing. This collaborative approach could accelerate problem-solving and reduce downtime, a win-win for everyone involved.
Meanwhile, the Towage Operations Centre is keeping a 24/7 watch over the fleet using AIS signals. Since 2023, the centre has been running the Artemis operating system, which integrates vessel data, meteoceanographic information, and port conditions to fine-tune operational strategies. The result? Better tug allocation, safer manoeuvres, and lower emissions.
But tech alone doesn’t make a difference—it’s how you use it. Since April 2024, Wilson Sons has trained over 150 captains through its “Safe WS-Standard Manoeuvre” project. The program covers electronic navigation, equipment use, and real-life scenarios, including simulated emergencies and decision-making exercises. It’s a rigorous approach, and the numbers speak for themselves. For the 12 months ended June 30, 2025, Wilson Sons’ lost-time accident rate was 0.47 per million hours, beating the global benchmark of 0.50.
This isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about setting a new standard. By investing in simulation, real-time monitoring, and continuous training, Wilson Sons is pushing the envelope on what’s possible in tug operations. The question now is whether other players in the sector will follow suit. If they do, the ripple effects could be significant, from safer ports to more efficient trade flows.