Damen Shipyards Group has signed a contract with Port Marlborough New Zealand (PMNZ) for the delivery of an ASD Tug 2312, further strengthening PMNZ’s growing and modern towage capabilities in Picton Harbour.
This marks the second collaboration between Damen and PMNZ, following the 2024 delivery of the ASD Tug 2111 Kaiana. With the arrival of the new tug, PMNZ will operate New Zealand’s newest towage fleet, supporting more than 3,000 vessel calls annually from ships over 500GT.
The ASD Tug 2312 is a compact yet powerful vessel, measuring just under 23 metres in length and delivering a 70-tonne bollard pull. Equipped with azimuth thrusters and the patented Damen Twin Fin skeg, the tug is designed for superior manoeuvrability and control, ideal for the confined waters of Picton Harbour.
Once in service, it will eventually replace PMNZ’s older vessels, Monowai and Maungatea, reinforcing the port’s transition to a more capable, modern, and environmentally responsible fleet.
