Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte was informed this afternoon (8 October) about the construction of the world’s first fully electric tugboat in the port of Auckland (New Zealand). The tug is currently being developed by the port authorities and Damen Shipyards, among others, with the aim of setting a new standard for electric tugboats.
The shipyard, in cooperation with various partners, has completed the design for this new tug. In March 2020, the first steel will be cut and the keel laid, after which the tug is expected to enter into service in the port of Auckland from the fourth quarter of 2021. The new all-electric tug is an important step in the further development of electrification, innovation and sustainability within the maritime sector.
The Prime Minister was informed about this project and the sustainable developments in the port during a cruise through the port of Auckland on a regular Damen tug (Hauraki).
