THE WORLD’S first full size, ship-handling electric tugboat was officially delivered to Ports of Auckland last week with a blessing ceremony in Auckland.
The tugboat, named Sparky, received its Maori name Tiaki at the ceremony, at which Dutch shipbuilder Damen formally delivered the vessel to its new owner.
Damen said Ports of Auckland had challenged the shipbuilder to develop a fully electric tug to help the port meet its goal of becoming a zero emissions port by 2040.
The two organisations have worked closely since 2016 to develop the sustainable vessel type.
Allan D’Souza, Ports of Auckland general manager marine and multi cargo operations, said it was “wonderful” to step abord Sparky and put it through its paces.
“We held a blessing ceremony with local Māori iwi (tribe) Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, as a final step before we officially start operations,” Mr D’Souza said.
“As part of the blessing, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei gave Sparky her Māori 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.”
Damen CEO Arnout Damen said the shipbuilder and port were able to combine their expertise to develop new ways of keeping ports operational while lowering environmental impacts.
“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,” Mr Damen said.
And Pim Schuurman, Damen’s regional sales manager Asia Pacific, said it was an honour to work with Port of Auckland on the project.
“Ports of Auckland has taken a bold step in pioneering the use of fully electric harbour tugs,” Mr Schuurman said.
“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.”
