The Port of Tauranga's two new tugs were blessed this morning in a special ceremony at the port this morning.
Port chief executive Mark Cairns said he was pleased with the names of the "new girls" - Tai Pari and Tai Timu - which were suggested by the Nga Matarae Trust and in Maori mean flood and ebb tide respectively.
Mr Cairns said he was proud of the way Phil Julian, Marine Operations Manager and his marine team had put together the specification and design.
"With 6400hp engines providing 74 tonnes bollard pull, they will be a lot more efficient and safer at guiding the more than 1600 ships that we have entering and leaving our beautiful harbour each year."
The Port's kaumatua Kihi Ngatai blessed the new tugs.