The new Port Marlborough tug Kaiana arrived this week into Waitohi Picton, providing additional resilience to the port’s marine fleet. At 21 metres in length, the ASD Tug 2111 has a bollard pull of 50 tonnes and its Twin Fin skeg and Azimuth thrusters ensure excellent manoeuvrability. Manawhenua iwi of Waitohi Picton Te Ätiawa o te Waka a Maui gifted the name âKaianaâ to the new vessel, and were present to welcome Kaiana and her international delivery crew into the port with karanga and karakia. PMNZ operates the regionâs port and marinas and facilitates the operation and growth of some of Marlboroughâs most significant industries, including recreational boating, forestry, wine, aquaculture and domestic and international tourism including cruise. Damenâs new ASD 2111 will provide an important boost in towage capability in Picton Harbour, from where the inter-island passenger and freight ferries operate. Chosen for its compact size, excellent manoeuvrability, and âbeyond complianceâ environmental standards, the ASD Tug 2111 also features numerous safety features. Its 360° bridge maximises situational awareness of the surrounding waters for captain and crew, as well as the deck both fore and aft. High freeboard keeps water on deck to an absolute minimum and the ample tumblehome enables the ASD Tug 2111 to get safely up close to an assisted vessel. Port Marlborough have chosen to upgrade the standard IMO Tier II compliant engines to IMO Tier-III compliant, to further reduce emissions. Other green technologies built into the Compact Tug include a new electric power generation system that produces electricity by drawing on the ample power available from the main engines, reducing fuel consumption and emissions as a result. âPartnering with Damen provides us with access to leading tug technology, said Port Marlborough CEO Rhys Welbourn. âKaiana will enhance our marine towage service, going beyond compliance in environmental standards and modernising our fleet. The safety and efficiency of our operations in Picton Harbour are critical to supporting the flow of ferries, cruise, and cargo ships, which all facilitate trade and employment for Marlborough and directly contribute to the regionâs prosperity.â Manawhenua iwi of Waitohi, Te Ätiawa o te Waka a Maui have gifted the name Kaiana to the new vessel, the first ever brand new tug purchase for the portâs towage fleet. Te Ätiawa Chair Rachael HÄte said âReflecting on the enduring significance of our role as manawhenua, protecting the precious coastlines of Waitohi, Waikawa, and Totaranui, we are pleased to gift the name âKaianaâ to Port Marlboroughâs new vesselâ. Kaiana holds a significant history for our people and is a name closely intertwined with our connection to the land where the port now stands, being the lagoon area that once provided sustenance for our whÄnau and for the community for generations.â Port Marlborough CEO Rhys Welbourn said it is a name the portâs marine team would carry proudly. âThe name gifted by Te Ätiawa reminds us of our responsibilities as a port, and to follow our values of Kaitiakitanga (environmental guardianship) and Kairangatira (delivering excellence)â âOur investment in the ASD Tug 2111 âKaianaâ and our commitment to Tier-III emission standards shows our wider commitment in leading the way as an environmentally restorative port, driving success for Marlborough.â # Ends # for more information: communications@pmnz.co.nz
