Damen’s Sparky - their first full electric tug
Damen’s first electric tug Sparky was delivered to Ports of Auckland in 2022
Damen’s first all-electric harbour tug, the RSD-E Tug 2513, is a high-powered tug with 70-tonnes bollard pull, capable of manoeuvring even the largest vessels. It can undertake two or more assignments before needing to be recharged. Recharging itself takes just two hours. The battery pack size is 2,800 kWh, resulting in approximately 1,400 kW of charging power required at quayside. The battery pack is design for the vessel’s 30 year lifetime. The tug has zero emissions from ‘Tank to Propeller’.
Charting a course down under
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. The tug was named Sparky and also received her Māori name, ‘Tiaki’, in a special blessing ceremony held in Auckland on August 8, 2022.
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 Māori iwi (tribe) Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, as a final step before we officially start operations. 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.”
“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.”
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Damen - Damen’s first all-electric tug Sparky delivered to Ports of Auckland
