The environment and greenhouse gas emissions are now high on everyone's agenda. Partly for this reason, more and more electric variants of existing ships can also be seen in ports. In that context, the New Zealand port of Auckland is acquiring the world's first large electric harbour tug. The tug, manufactured by Damen Shipyards Group, is expected to match the pulling power of Ports of Auckland's heaviest diesel tug. Big difference: emissions of harmful greenhouse gases will be zero.
Globally, many ports are in the process of 'greening'. The Port of Auckland has been working towards being emission-free by 2040 since 2016. This action is also necessary because just like business or citizens, ports are also part of the climate problem. However, with a lot of heavy equipment, such as diesel-powered tugs, that step is not proving so easy.
The electric tug that Damen will supply has a tractive force of 70 tonnes. A diesel-powered tug with the same pulling power consumes 120 litres of diesel per hour. The new port tug is powered by an electric battery and has a draft of 6 metres; its length is 24.73 m. Two azimuth propellers with a diameter of 3 m (9.8 ft) diameter provide the propulsion. Per battery charge of 2,800 kWh, three to four vessels can be towed or the tug can be operated for three to four hours. Fast charging of the battery is expected to take no more than two hours. Damen is also working on supplying the 1.5 MW charger, which is based on proven technology from the automotive sector.
The initial cost of the electric-powered tug is higher than that of the diesel variant, but the operating and maintenance costs are significantly lower. By commissioning the world's first all-electric, large tug, Auckland is sending a strong signal in its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. This is good for both the environment and the port's wallet. By switching now, it will benefit from lower emissions as well as lower operating and maintenance costs for 25 years (the tug's lifetime).
For safety reasons, the RSD-E Tug 2513 is also equipped with two spare diesel generators of 1,000 kW. However, this is only deployed in the event of an electrical failure.
Watch the video made below.
