Ports of Auckland Limited (POAL) has entered into partnership with the Damen Shipyards Group in the Netherlands to develop a fully-electric ship-handling tug – the first of its kind in the world.
The result of this joint initiative will be the RSD-E Tug 2513, a zero-emissions derivation of the IMO Tier III-ready RSD Tug 2513, introduced by Damen in 2018.
Propulsion will be supplied by two Kongsberg US255 L PM FP azimuth thrusters, supplied from Kongsberg Maritime’s facility in Rauma, Finland, providing a bollard pull capability of 70 tons.
Bård Bjørløw, EVP of global sales and marketing, Kongsberg Maritime, says, “The RSD-E Tug 2513 is destined for recognition as a benchmark concept in the development of zero-emissions, fully electric vessels and we commend Ports of Auckland in setting this inspiring example for eco-friendly port operations.”
POAL have set a target of having emission-free operations by 2040.