Port of Tauranga has ordered a new tugboat with hybrid propulsion from Uzmar Shipyard in Turkey as part of its fleet renewal and to expand towage capabilities in New Zealand’s busiest harbour.
Uzmar will construct a 32-m hybrid advanced Rotortug with around 80 tonnes of bollard pull for delivery in 2027 for the port, which has more than 1,400 ship visits per year.
Port of Tauranga chief executive, Leonard Sampson, said the purchase followed a detailed design phase to address the harbour’s operational, environmental and safety requirements.
“The Rotortug design will provide us with enhanced manoeuvrability and precision, with greater strength in emergencies, and reduce our reliance on diesel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions thanks to the hybrid technology,” said Mr Sampson.
“Overall, it will be a welcome addition to our marine fleet’s efficiency, capability, flexibility and sustainability as we prepare for more frequent visits from larger ships.”
Port of Tauranga will also strengthen its wharves and modify infrastructure at the harbour’s tug berths at Mount Maunganui in preparation for the arrival of this new vessel.
Its marine pilots, tug masters and engineers were involved in the design and tendering processes, with the port approaching seven shipyards in New Zealand and overseas. It selected Uzmar for its experience in building hybrid tugs.
An all-electric tug was initially considered, but ruled out due to the operational profile of the port.
Port of Tauranga said alternative fuel technologies were also considered. “However, the development of alternative fuel technology and availability of supply [such as hydrogen, methanol, ammonia or LNG] is still in the early stages for this type of vessel,” it said.
The Rotortug will be equipped to provide better towing capabilities under a wider range of sea and wind conditions than the current tug fleet can, and it will be able to operate in adverse conditions outside the harbour entrance.
Tugboats accompany all arriving and departing vessels at the Port of Tauranga, and they can also be called upon to assist commercial ships in difficulty.
The new hybrid Rotortug will replace the port’s oldest tug, 22-m Sir Robert, which has around 50 tonnes of bollard pull. It will join 10-year-old twin azimuth stern-drive tugs Tai Pari and Tai Timu, both 24 m and with 74 tonnes of bollard pull.
