Port Nelson Gets New Tug

New Zealand's Port Nelson has taken delivery of the new tug boat Huria Matenga II tug.

Arriving from Vietnam, the Damen built 70 tonne bollard pull, 2441 tug, was welcomed by the Port's existing tug fleet as well as the pilot and harbour master boats.

Pilot John Tregidga was aboard the Huria Matenga II, 35 years and 7 months since the Huria Matenga arrived at Port Nelson from Japan. John was part of the crew who sailed the Huria Matenga from Japan back in 1983.

A small blessing ceremony for the Huria Matenga II was conducted by iwi ahead of the tug starting operations.

The ceremony was led by Archdeacon Harvey Ruru and included members of Huria Matenga’s tribe, Ngati Tama. Keep an eye out for the new tug in action from this week.

Located on the other side of the globe on New Zealand’s South Island, Port Nelson is a thriving port in the north of the island that forms a critical part of the infrastructure that serves the regions of Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough.