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Posted by Dale Crisp
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19 December, 2025
TAURANGA has placed an order with UZMAR Shipyards in Türkiye to build a 32-metre hybrid advanced rotortug to replace the 25-yo Sir Robert. The contract was foreshadowed during the port’s annual results release earlier this year.
Port of Tauranga chief executive Leonard Sampson said the purchase followed a detailed design phase to address the port’s operational, environmental and safety needs.
“The rotortug design will provide us with enhanced manoeuvrability and precision, with greater strength in emergency situations, and reduce our reliance on diesel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions thanks to the hybrid technology,” Mr Sampson said.
“Overall, it will be a welcome addition to our marine fleet’s efficiency, capability, flexibility and sustainability as we prepare for more frequent visits from larger ships.”
The PoT project team, involving marine pilots, tug masters and engineers, approached seven shipyards in New Zealand and overseas, and chose UZMAR for its experience in building hybrid tugs.
An all-electric tug was considered but ruled out due to the operational profile of the port. Alternative fuel technologies were also considered, however the development of alternative fuel technology and availability of supply (e.g. hydrogen, methanol, ammonia or LNG) is still in the early stages for this type of vessel, PoT said.
The new rotortug will be equipped to provide better towing capability under a wider range of sea and wind conditions than the current tug fleet allows. The larger tug will also be able to operate in greater conditions outside the harbour entrance.
It will replace the port’s oldest tug, Sir Robert, which is 22 metres long with 50-tonne bollard pull, and join the 10-year-old twin tugs Tai Pari and Tai Timu, both 24 metres and 74-tonne bollard pull. All three existing tugs are Azimuth stern drive tractor tugs.
The new tug will have at least 80-tonne bollard pull and is expected to be delivered in mid-2027. Some wharf strengthening and infrastructure modifications will be made to the port’s existing tug berths at Mount Maunganui, PoT said.
“We are delighted to have been selected by Port of Tauranga for this landmark hybrid tug project,” said Mr. A. Noyan Altug, president & CEO of UZMAR Shipyard.
“This partnership exemplifies how shared values of innovation, safety, and environmental stewardship can drive meaningful progress toward a more sustainable maritime future. This hybrid tug project marks another step forward in our mission to deliver next-generation, low-emission vessels for ports worldwide.”
