The tug Vinicio was refitted with Raymarine Pathfinder radar, enhancing safety, situational awareness, and reliability for demanding Mediterranean towing operations through ease of installation and advanced solid-state technology.
Wednesday - 01 April 2026
Refitting older working vessels with modern navigation technology can extend operational life and improve safety, at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new vessel. This approach was taken aboard Vinicio, a tug operating throughout the Mediterranean Sea, where a recent refit introduced Raymarine Pathfinder radar to support demanding towing operations.
Delivered in Genoa by Generalmarine SRL, the project focused on improving situational awareness and reliability while keeping installation and maintenance simple for an established tugboat platform.
Vinicio routinely operates with a barge in tow across busy Mediterranean waters. In this role, constant awareness of surrounding traffic and the position of the barge is essential, particularly during navigation in congested areas. Radar performance is therefore critical to safe and confident operations.
Generalmarine selected Raymarine Pathfinder radar as the primary situational awareness tool on board. The decision was driven by the advantages of solid‑state technology, including reduced service requirements and increased vessel availability - key considerations for a tug engaged in regular commercial activity.
Installation was also simplified through Pathfinder’s lighter antenna design and smaller‑diameter cabling, making it well suited to a refit on an older vessel.
Display size options allowed the system to integrate cleanly into the existing bridge layout, delivering clear radar information without unnecessary complexity.
During towing operations, Pathfinder supports continuous monitoring of surrounding vessels as well as the barge itself, enhancing visibility and control. The Pathfinder Radar has full IMO approval, further ensuring the system meets the demands of professional mariners.
The Pathfinder installation aboard Vinicio highlights how blending proven vessels with modern radar technology can enhance awareness, support safer towing operations, and extend the working life of established tugs.
