Sparky electrifies the harbour towage sector

Sparky is the result of six years of collaboration between Damen and Ports of Auckland Limited (POAL) in a quest for a sustainable, zero-emissions tug suitable for New Zealand’s unique environment.

“It has been a long time in the making and many parts of Damen have contributed to its development, alongside POAL,” said Erik van Schaik, product manager tugs at Damen.

“We believe that its introduction heralds a new chapter in harbour towage and a milestone in sustainable shipping.”

Tug milestone

Delivered last summer, Sparky is Damen’s first, fully-electric tug capable of 70 tonnes bollard pull that can undertake two or more assignments at full power before being recharged.This takes just 1.5 to two hours.

The key challenge for Damen was how to install all the equipment for the E-Drive into a hull just ­­24 metres in length, with one of POAL’s requirements being that that the vessel should be operable by two crew. This along with a range of other capabilities was achieved through mutual cooperation and continuous two-way communication between the two parties.

The solution was to have four identical and independent battery packs, each in its own insulated, temperature-controlled battery chamber and directly connected to the propulsion system.

The battery packs are designed to have a life equal to or longer that of the tug itself; 30 years / 30,000 cycles. Another advantage of having a dispersed energy source is that the propulsion system can be scaled up or down and it will be used in other Damen tug types, both larger and smaller.

Sparky brings with it all the benefits of Damen’s proven RSD Tug 2513 series. These include always ‘bow first’ operations and its Damen-patented twin fins skegs give it excellent manoeuvrability and course stability despite its small length to width ratio. 

Other features include having the complete superstructure spring-mounted on the hull. This results in very low noise and vibration levels in the accommodation and wheelhouse.

Damen is one of three contenders for the award, the others being the Canopée (Neptune Marine) and the E-Pusher 1 (Padmos). The award will be presented on Monday 6 November 2023 during the Maritime Awards Gala at the Ahoy Rotterdam.