Electric tug building milestone

When completed, the tug will make an important contribution towards cleaning up the Ports of Auckland’s operations. With 80% of electricity in the country already cleanly generated, the tug will complete a green energy cycle in the ports.

“We are very excited to make a start on the construction of this innovative vessel. We are also very proud to be maintaining our schedule during this challenging time when the coronavirus pandemic continues around the world,” said Joris van Tienen general director of Damen Song Cam Shipyard.

World first

Damen’s RSD-E Tug 2513, which when completed the shipbuilder claims will be the world’s first fully electric tug with 70 tonnes bollard pull, is being built at the Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam.

The tug is a fully electric version of Damen’s standard platform, the innovative next generation RSD Tug 2513, which has been designed with a keen focus on safety, sustainability, reliability and efficiency.

In keeping with tradition, the recent keel-laying ceremony included welding coins to the keel. On this occasion, it was decided to weld two New Zealand 20 cent-pieces – thereby marking the year 2020.

The coin is a distinctive one in the Spanish flower shape. It features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and, on the reverse, a Maori carving of Pukaki, a chief of the Ngāti Whakaue iwi (tribe).

The RSD-E Tug 2513 is one example of the highly efficient vessels Damen is building as it continues on its sustainability journey. Other examples include the deliveries of fully electric ferries to Denmark, electric and hybrid ferries to Canada and an electric Cutter Suction Dredger.