The world’s first fully-electric tugboat

The battery-operated tugboat will be part of Auckland's effort to be emissions-free by 2040

Spotted: The Dutch Damen Shipyards Group and the New Zealand Ports of Auckland have created a fully-electric tugboat. The tug, known as the Damen RSD-E 2513, builds on Damen’s experience building hybrid vessels. The Damen RSD-E will be as strong as the port’s strongest diesel tug, the company says. 

The creation was inspired by Ports of Auckland’s plan to be emissions-free by 2040. When the team looked for an electric tug in 2016, there was nothing available, which is why they decided to pair up with Damen. The electric tugboat is scheduled to be completed in 2021. 

The Damen RSD-E will be able to store 2,800 kWh of battery power per charge, which is enough to move three to four ships. Charging time will take around two hours.

Whilst the price of the electric tug will be double that of a diesel tug, it is expected to cost significantly less to operate and maintain. 

Springwise has spotted other recent developments in electric ships, including fully-electric container ships created by the Dutch maritime company Port Liner.