Advertisement

All-electric tug ‘Sparky’ earns its keep

The Ports of Auckland’s Damen-built all-electric tug Sparky, which won the ‘Tug of the Year’ award at the International Tug and Salvage Awards event in 2022 and has most recently been nominated for the 2023 ‘Ship of the Year’ award, has successfully concluded its first full year of ship-assist operation.

The 70-tonnes bollard pull tug, which has four battery packs designed to have a service life equal to or longer than that of the tug itself, can undertake two or more assignments at full power before having to be being recharged, a process normally taking about two hours.

Its builder, the Damen Song Cam yard in Vietnam, is now gearing up to produce additional all-electric tugs as world-wide demand increases.

Report by Jim Shaw

Ships Montly - January 2024

Norsepower to Install Rotor Sails on Six GEFO Newbuild Tankers

In late May 2025 Norsepower, a global leader in wind propulsion, has secured a new agreement to deliver six of its Norsepower Rotor Sails™...
Advertisement

Related articles

Norsepower to Install Rotor Sails on Six GEFO Newbuild Tankers

In late May 2025 Norsepower, a global leader in wind propulsion, has secured a new agreement to deliver...

Samskip launches new Blyth route

Samskip is enhancing its UK trade strategy with a new direct connection offering multimodal options for northeast England Samskip...

Award for cross-channel ferry favourite Barfleur

A favourite cross-channel ferry has received a special award in recognition of its long service. Brittany Ferries' ro-pax...

Deltamarin wins design contract for Finnlines’ new Hansa Superstar vessels

In May 2025 Deltamarin signed a contract with China Merchants Weihai Shipyard to design three new ‘Hansa Superstar’...