Port of Tauranga signs contract with Turkish shipyard for new tugboat

A visualisation of the tug which Port of Tauranga has signed a contract for. (Image: Supplied)

Fri, 19 Dec 2025

Port of Tauranga has contracted a Turkish shipyard to build a hybrid tugboat.The NZX-listed port issued a statement on Friday saying it would purchase a 32 metre diesel-electric rotortug to replace its oldest tug, the 22m Sir Robert, in its three-strong fleet.The cost of the contract with UZMAR Shipyard in Turkey was not disclosed.The new tug will arrive in mid-2027 and will have a static bollard pull of at least 80 tonnes. As a rotortug, propulsion is provided by three thrusters, two at the fore or bow, and one at the aft or stern.Mo...

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