Ports of Auckland has signed a contract with Damen Shipyards Group for the world's first full-size, fully electric port tug.
The reverse stern drive (RSD) vessel will have a length of 25 metres, a beam of 13 metres, and a bollard pull of 70 tonnes.
Delivery is scheduled for 2021.
Ports of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson said that up to NZ$12 million (US$7.82 million) in operating cost savings would be realised over the electric tug's expected service life of 25 years.
