More than 120 people gathered on in Waitohi Picton earlier this month to welcome Port Marlborough’s tug vessel Kaiaua, the newest addition to Port Marlborough’s marine fleet. It was a relaxed, community-focused event, bringing together industry partners, local organisations and maritime stakeholders. The morning began with a welcome and waiata from Picton School students. Port Marlborough’s Chief Executive Rhys Welbourn spoke about what Kaiaua means for the port, both in terms of day-to-day operations supporting shipping operations, and the port’s long-term investment in marine capability. Damen Shipyards representative Mark Todd travelled from Australia to attend, sharing a few words about the build and the work that went into building her to meet Port Marlborough’s requirements. Justin Carter, Chief Executive of Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui Trust, spoke to the significance of the name Kaiaua, gifted by Te Ātiawa for the vessel. Complimenting her sister ship Kaiana which arrived in 2024, both names recognising the significance of the lagoons and whenua adjacent to the historical Waitohi Pā which once was situated in the port area. The on-water display gave people the chance to see Kaiaua in action. It was a more modest display than usual, with fuel conservation in mind, but still a highlight for guests, showing her capability and maneuverability in the water. The introduction of Kaiaua completes the wider programme to renew Port Marlborough’s towage fleet, replacing older vessels and improving overall efficiency, with the port’s 50+ year old tug “Monowai” retiring later this year. For a port with more than 3,000 large vessel visits each year including ferries, cruise ships and log ships, this is a positive difference to both operational efficiency and environmental performance. Beyond its operational capabilities, Kaiaua is also a step forward for Port Marlborough in working towards achieving its carbon emissions reduction plan. The tug is fitted with modern engines and associated systems that help reduce emissions, along with a propulsion system that helps reduce fuel consumption. It also has the flexibility to run on alternative fuels such as biodiesel in the future. The new towage fleet comprising Kaiana and Kaiaua represents a significant investment by Port Marlborough in recent years in keeping our harbour safe, and in supporting shipping operations for forestry export as well as both tourism (Cruise) and the resilience of the State Highway 1 link for New Zealand (Ferries). For those who attended, the event was a chance to see that investment up close, and to celebrate the people and partnerships behind it. Keep an eye out for Kaiaua in action over the coming weeks as she is brought into service.
