Port of Tauranga to replace Sir Robert tug with more powerful hybrid vessel

Port of Tauranga's new hybrid tug. Photo / Port of Tauranga

Port of Tauranga has signed a deal with a Turkish shipyard to build a 32‑metre hybrid rotortug.

It’s the first of its kind for New Zealand’s busiest port, as it prepares for increasing visits from larger vessels and seeks to cut emissions from its marine fleet.

Port of Tauranga chief executive Leonard Sampson said in a statement that the purchase followed a detailed design phase to address the port’s operational, environmental and safety needs.

“The rotortug design will provide us with enhanced manoeuvrability and precision, with greater strength in emergency situations, and reduce our reliance on diesel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions thanks to the hybrid technology.

“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.”

The Port of Tauranga project team, involving marine pilots, tug masters and engineers, approached seven shipyards in New Zealand and overseas, and chose Uzmar Shipyard, based near Izmit, about 100km southeast of Istanbul, for its experience in building hybrid tugs.

“We are delighted to have been selected by Port of Tauranga for this landmark hybrid tug project,” said A. Noyan Altug, Uzmar’s president and chief executive.

“This partnership exemplifies how shared values of innovation, safety and environmental stewardship can drive meaningful progress toward a more sustainable maritime future. This hybrid tug project marks another step forward in our mission to deliver next-generation, low-emission vessels for ports worldwide.”

An all-electric tug was considered but ruled out because of the operational profile of the port.

Alternative fuel technologies were also considered, but the development of alternative fuel technology and availability of supply of fuels such as hydrogen, methanol, ammonia or LNG is still in the early stages for this type of vessel.

Tugboats accompany all arriving and departing vessels at the Port of Tauranga.

They can also be called upon to assist commercial ships in difficulty, and the new rotortug will be equipped to provide better towing capability under a wider range of sea and wind conditions than the current tug fleet allows.

The larger tug will also be able to operate in greater conditions outside the harbour entrance.

The new hybrid rotortug will replace the port’s oldest tug, Sir Robert, which is 22 metres long with 50-tonne bollard pull (a measure of a tug’s static pulling power).

The new vessel will join the 10-year-old twin tugs Tai Pari and Tai Timu, both 24 metres and 74-tonne bollard pull.

All three existing tugs are Azimuth stern-drive tractor tugs.

The new tug will have at least 80-tonne bollard pull and is expected to be delivered in mid-2027.

Some wharf strengthening and infrastructure modifications will be made to the port’s existing tug berths at Mount Maunganui.