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Ports of Auckland has agreed to purchase the world's first full size electric tug to combat climate change.
The world's first electric tug should be in service by 2021.
Photo: provided
Port general manager Tony Gibson said urgent action was needed to tackle climate change. The tug has the same working capacity as the port's diesel tugs and will cost less throughout its life.
In the last three years, the company has struggled to find a manufacturer ready to take up the challenge. The Dutch company Damen Shipyards will build the tug and expects to deliver it in 2021.
Ports of Auckland General Manager Tony Gibson said it took three years to find a company willing to build a full size electric tug.
Photo: RNZ / Todd Niall
The ports of Auckland aim to reach zero emissions by 2040 and hope to inspire other ports.
"We hope that it will be a catalyst to support climate change. [action] – that everyone takes it seriously – and that it is possible to build an electric tug, "said Gibson.
"It was important to us that a new electric tug can carry out normal harbor operations, similar to our existing diesel tugboats.Our new electronic tug will be able to perform three to four movements shipping at full load or around three to four hours of work.A fast charge takes about two hours, which is exactly what we need. "
Artist view of the tug that will be built by a Dutch company.
Photo: provided
The port would not disclose the cost, but Mr. Gibson said it would be about double the cost of a diesel tug, which would cost between $ 8 and $ 9 million.
"One of the other hurdles to overcome was the cost. The purchase price of this tug is considerable, about twice that of a diesel tug. This is an important factor for a company that must make a profit. However, we are ready to badume this initial cost because our commitment to reducing emissions must not be limited to words.
"Fortunately, the cost of operating an electric tug is less than one-third that of a diesel tug. So, if we pay more in advance, we will save about $ 12 million in operating costs, which will make our electric tug cheaper in the long run, "he said.
Mr. Gibson said the port was planning to replace all his other tugs with electric ones.
The port operations director, Allan D & Souza, said that when they started looking for a battery tug in 2016, no one was making them, and the shipyards told them that they were not in charge. they dreamed.
They continued to contact the yards and issues resolved and eventually negotiated a contract with Damen Shipyards.
Climate Change Minister James Shaw said, "People who say we have to wait for technology to emerge before we can set bold goals have managed to get around the problem.
"Many of the challenges we face with climate change will require solutions that are not yet available on the market.
"The Auckland ports and a growing number of companies in New Zealand show that this will not prevent them from finding ways to meet our targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. greenhouse."
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