TelestackPort of StocktonTBA GroupPort of South LouisianaSailors SocietyVigan
  • Sailors Society
  • TBA Group
  • Van Aalst
  • TOC Europe 2023
  • Cimbria
  • Bühler GmbH

Damen’s first all-electric tug delivered to Ports of Auckland

Damen’s first all-electric tug delivered to Ports of Auckland

(Posted on 12/08/22)

In a major milestone Damen’s first all-electric harbour tug, the RSD-E Tug 2513, was officially delivered to its new owner, Ports of Auckland (POAL). The revolutionary tug was named Sparky and also received her M?ori name, ‘Tiaki’, in a special blessing ceremony held in Auckland on August 8.

This powerful new tug, which has a 70-tonnes bollard pull, is capable of manoeuvring even the largest vessels and can undertake two or more assignments before being recharged, which takes just two hours.

With its pristine environment and unique ecosystem in the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is renowned for its commitment to sustainable development. In 2016, Ports of Auckland adopted the goal of becoming a zero emissions port by 2040 and, in light of the impetus to tackle climate change, the port authority challenged Damen to develop a fully electric tug. Over the course of the next six years the two organisations worked closely to develop this pioneering, sustainable vessel type.

Ports of Auckland’s General Manager Marine and Multi Cargo Operations, Allan D’Souza, said: “It is wonderful to have Sparky here in Auckland and to be able to get aboard and put her through her paces. We held a blessing ceremony with local M?ori iwi (tribe) Ng?ti Wh?tua ?r?kei, as a final step before we officially start operations. As part of the blessing, Ng?ti Wh?tua ?r?kei gave Sparky her M?ori name, ‘Tiaki’, which means to care for people or place, in recognition of her role in reducing emissions and our port’s impact on the environment.”

Arnout Damen, Chief Executive Officer of Damen, commented: “I'm very proud about the fact that we can use our expertise together with our client to develop new sustainable ways of keeping ports operational, while lowering the impact on the environment as much as possible. Ports of Auckland is aiming to become a zero emissions port by 2040 and its ambitions align with Damen’s, as we continue our efforts to become the most sustainable shipbuilder in the world.”

“Ports of Auckland has taken a bold step in pioneering the use of fully electric harbour tugs and it is an honour to have worked with them on this project,” added Pim Schuurman, Damen’s Regional Sales Manager Asia Pacific. “We hope that in the future we will be able to look back and see that Sparky marked the beginning of a significant shift from diesel to clean, zero emissions electric tugs.”

Damen Shipyards Group has been in operation for over ninety years and offers maritime solutions worldwide, through design, construction, conversion and repair of ships and ship components. Damen operates 35 shipyards and 20 other companies in 20 countries, supported by a worldwide sales and service network. Damen Shipyards Group offers direct employment to more than 12,000 people.

Latest News

East African cement operator orders Siwertell road-mobile ship unloader

(Posted on 24/03/23)

Bruks Siwertell has secured an order for a next-generation Siwertell road-mobile ship unloader, which... Read more


Thordon Bearings delivers support to wind power-in-a-box technology

(Posted on 20/03/23)

Thordon Bearings is supplying its grease-free, self-lubricating ThorPlas-Blue bearing material to a... Read more


New Chairman and CEO for BIO-UV Group

(Posted on 20/03/23)

French water treatment specialist BIO-UV Group has appointed Laurent-Emmanuel Migeon as its new Chairman... Read more


Anglo-Eastern enhances fleet performance with Wärtsilä’s CII tool

(Posted on 07/03/23)

With Wärtsilä’s CII Dashboard, Anglo-Eastern is now able to make better informed decisions... Read more


Siwertell ship unloaders for new Chinese power station

(Posted on 07/03/23)

Bruks Siwertell has completed the commissioning of two large-scale Siwertell ST 790-D-type ship unloaders... Read more


Green Ray project to minimise methane slip from LNG-fuelled engines

(Posted on 28/02/23)

A consortium including technology group Wärtsilä has secured European Union funding to develop... Read more


Latest USA operator selects Siwertell ship unloading technology

(Posted on 28/02/23)

Bruks Siwertell has received an order for a next-generation Siwertell road-mobile ship unloader from... Read more


Survitec’s pre-inspection delivers greater safety servicing efficiencies

(Posted on 24/02/23)

Global Survival Technology solutions provider Survitec has introduced a new, formalised pre-inspection... Read more


Small propellor defects can result in increased radiated noise

(Posted on 24/02/23)

The slightest deviation in the machining, polishing, and finishing of ships’ propeller blades... Read more


Bühler shows profitable growth in 2022

(Posted on 20/02/23)

Bühler expanded its business and improved profitability in an uncertain and volatile business environment... Read more


CimbriaThe Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology Bühler GmbHVan AalstTOC Europe 2023
  • The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology
  • Telestack
  • Port of Stockton

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping