Port Marlborough’s marine fleet is entering a new era, with the commissioning of Kaiana marking a new era for Port Marlborough’s towage and harbour support capabilities. The second of Port Marlborough’s new ASD tugs, Kaiaua will join Kaiana in March 2026, completing a modern fleet that reflects the port’s ongoing investment in safety, efficiency, and reliability on the water. The arrival of Kaiaua also brings the farewell of two long-serving vessels. The Maungatea and Monowai have each played an important role in the port’s history and will soon head for new homes overseas. The Maungatea has now departed Picton and is headed to Vanuatu with her new owners, and was accompanied out of Picton Harbour with a good send off from the port’s marine team, fitting for a vessel which has supported a safe harbour environment, and Port Marlborough operations for the past 13 years. Monowai is likely to be sold later next year. With these changes, Port Marlborough will soon operate a fully renewed marine towage fleet, designed to meet the evolving needs of our port operations and customers. GM Port and Marine Ryan Lock says the transition brings both operational and training benefits. “Our two brand new ASD tugs give us more responsive handling, better fuel efficiency, and improved safety systems. They’re a big step forward in terms of capability and resilience for the port, meaning we are able to more comprehensively support our customers in Forestry, Cruise, Ferries and our wider shipping business to safely operate in our harbour.” The team is also growing and strengthening its expertise. Following extensive training, Adam Howarth recently qualified as a Tug Master, joining Mike Beech and Barry Fishburn in the port’s marine team as fully qualified, sole-charge tug masters. In November, the team will welcome Callum Buchanan who brings valuable ASD experience from his previous role at Port Otago. This will give the port four permanent Tug Masters trained in ASD operations and two relief Tug Masters – providing strong coverage and continuity. As Kaiaua joins Kaiana on the water next year, Port Marlborough will operate one of the newest and most capable marine fleets in New Zealand, with an efficient marine team ready to support the region’s shipping, trade, and community for years to come.
