Sir Robert is a 22.2-metre tug featuring two Caterpillar 3516 EUI marine diesels, producing a total of 3,280 kW and 50-tonnes pulling power, and can operate at a speed of 12 knots.

Sir Robert was delivered in Whangarei, New Zealand in November 2000 for the Port of Tauranga, named in honour of the late Sir Robert Owens, a successful businessman who played a key role in developed the Port of Tauranga.

Commissioned to replace Rotorua, which was sold to Australia after 33 years at the port, Sir Robert was intended to handle large ships and is a sister vessel for three tugs based in Auckland.

In order to cope with the demand of the thousands of large ships that berth in the Port of Tauranga each year, with 1,307 ships in the year ended June 30, 2021, Sir Robert needs to be operationally ready at all times with no sacrifice in performance. Reducing maintenance and saving time is essential for the tug, and so Propspeed was applied to the two propellers and four keel cooler tube sets.

“Following a recent dive inspection of the underwater hull,” said tug engineer Pete Frewin, “the divers’ report suggests that all areas coated in Propspeed are looking clean and free of marine build up. This includes the twin props as well as the four engine and auxiliary keel cooler tube sets.”

Mr Frewin said this inspection was completed in May and the vessel has been in operation for six months after its docking in September 2020.

Source: https://www.bairdmaritime.com/ausmarine/ausmarine-gear/gear-propspeed-coating-selected-for-nz-port-of-tauranga-tug/