Ports of Auckland’s all-electric tug Sparky saves 465t of CO2 emissions annually

Since its launch, Sparky, the fully electric tug at Ports of Auckland, has prevented 465 tonnes of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere each year, according to the port.   

On August 8, 2024, the Ports of Auckland celebrated a reportedly historic event for the port: Sparky’s second anniversary. With a 6-metre draft and a 70-tonne bollard pull—which makes it as powerful as the port’s toughest diesel tug, Hauraki, Sparky is believed to be “the world’s first” full-sized all-electric tug. 

Back in 2016, the Ports of Auckland forged a collaboration with Dutch shipbuilder, Damen Shipyards, which was said to have been driven by ‘a shared vision of creating the world’s first electric tug’. 

According to a 2022 statement by former Ports of Auckland CEO, Tony Gibson, the decision to pursue an electric tug was also part of a broader objective to achieve zero emissions by 2040. 

“Sparky is the first e-tug of its type and was a truly innovative project for us. She is helping us step towards the ports’ decarbonization of operations and toward our long-term emissions reduction goals.” 

Since it was first welcomed to the Waitematā Harbour, Sparky has handled everything from cargo freighters to oil tankers, having assisted 1,441 ships to date. 

Beyond reducing carbon emissions, as an electric boat, Sparky has also helped minimize noise pollution, creating a quieter environment.  

The same year it was put into operation, Sparky had a major achievement under its belt. In late 2022, it won the Tug of the Year Award at the International Tug and Salvage Awards. Today, two years later, the number of vessels it assists grows steadily.

“All the hard work, countless late-night discussions, and hopeful anticipation have culminated in a product that I am proud to be associated with. Sparky is performing exceptionally well, and we have successfully demonstrated to ports worldwide that there is a sustainable tug option available for adoption,” Allan D’Souza, current general manager marine and multi-cargo operations at Ports of Auckland, highlighted.