New Zealand’s Electric Tugboat Sparky Expected to Last 25 Years and Reduce CO2 Emissions by Approximately 465 Tons Annually.
The manufacturer Damen Shipyards (Netherlands) has constructed the fully electric tugboat RSD E-Tug 2513, known as Sparky, which is currently operating at the Port of Auckland, New Zealand, according to a report by Interesting Engineering on June 9.
Electric tugboat Sparky with a towing capacity of 70 tons. (Photo: Damen Shipyards)
Sparky operates on electricity, aiming for a zero-emission future while maintaining towing power comparable to the most powerful diesel tugboats at the port. Although it is not the first electric tugboat in the world, Sparky is the first electric tugboat in Auckland and the first of its size to utilize a towing hook.
The Port of Auckland is currently home to New Zealand’s largest international trade and container terminal. The port handles over half of the country’s import and export goods and serves as a crucial docking point for cruise ships.
Operating in such a busy port, Sparky is expected to have a lifespan of 25 years and help reduce approximately 465 tons of CO2 emissions annually. Additionally, the projected operating costs for the electric tugboat are less than one-third of those for a comparable diesel vessel.
The Port of Auckland is striving towards a zero-emission goal by 2040. This is no easy task, as the port processes nearly one million six-meter containers of import and export goods each year.
The Port of Auckland purchased Sparky to support its zero-emission plan for 2040. “Sparky is the first tugboat of its kind in the world and represents a truly groundbreaking project for us. Its introduction marks a significant advance in the port’s decarbonization efforts and towards long-term emission reduction goals,” said Roger Gray, CEO of the Port of Auckland.
According to a 2020 study by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), greenhouse gas emissions from global shipping increased by 10% from 2012 to 2018. This is a clear indication that ports need to take strong actions, like Auckland, to mitigate the adverse effects of emissions.
Sparky draws energy from 80 battery packs that contain 2,240 battery cells, totaling 2,784 kWh of electricity. With high safety standards, robust charging capabilities, long lifespan, and relatively lightweight, the battery system will allow Sparky to push and tow up to 70 tons of cargo for at least 30 minutes on a single charge. The vessel requires about two hours to recharge.
