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Two ports in New Zealand have ordered newbuild azimuth stern drive (ASD) tugboats from Damen Shipyards to enhance their towage capabilities. Port Marlborough is the latest to contract the shipbuilder, having ordered an ASD 2312 design tug to enhance its services in Picton Harbour.

This will be a 23-m tug with a bollard pull of 70 tonnes from twin main diesel engines driving two azimuth thrusters, an exhaust aftertreatment system for removing NOx and compliance to IMO Tier III emissions standards.

It will have a patented Damen Twin Fin skeg for extra stability and an electric power generation system that uses power from the main engines, further reducing fuel use and emissions. Port Marlborough has named this new tug听Kaiaua and expects it to be delivered in mid-2026.

鈥淲e are proud to be investing in the future capability of our port with a second modern tug,鈥� said Port Marlborough chief executive Rhys Welbourn. 鈥淧artnering again with Damen gives us access to world-class technology that improves the safety, performance and reliability of our towage services.鈥�

鈥淭his customer-led investment strengthens our ability to respond quickly, assist effectively and support shipping partners making use of the deepest berth in New Zealand.鈥�

Upon arrival, the port will have the nation鈥檚 newest towage fleet as it added Kaiana, a Damen-built ASD harbour tug in 2024. The new tug will replace older vessels Monowai and Maungatea over time.

鈥淭he upgrade to IMO Tier III engines also reinforces our commitment to lowering emissions and operating responsibly,鈥� said Mr Welbourn.