The 51-year-old tug, Kupe, which was retired from active service in 2018, has been sold to a commercial diving business in Vanuatu.
Kupe at work at Port Taranaki. Photo: Supplied
An ocean-going vessel, Kupe was built in Whangārei in 1971 for Port of Wellington (CentrePort) in response to the 1968 Lyttelton-Wellington ferry Wahine tragedy during which its steam-powered tugs proved inadequate.
Two other new tugs were also commissioned, with Kupe the first to enter service.
The 32-metre Voith Schneider harbour tug completed 28,000 shipping movements in Wellington before being bought by Port Taranaki in 2009 as increased oil and gas industry activity prompted the port to secure a third tug.
During its time in Taranaki, it is estimated Kupe was crewed by more than 40 people and involved in at least 1000 shipping movements.
Port Taranaki head of operations Captain Ashley McDonald said Kupe was also contracted to other ports for periods while their own tugs were in dry dock.
"Kupe has been a great and valued servant of Port Taranaki, and everyone who served on her really enjoyed doing so.
"Before Kupe was built, the tugs in New Zealand were steam powered, with a maximum bollard pull of up to 10 tonnes, so when Kupe came along with 1350 horsepower, close to 30 tonnes of pull, and with a winch, she was ground-breaking.
"However, with parts and spares increasingly difficult to obtain for servicing and to maintain her classification, unfortunately she was getting beyond economical repair for our needs," McDonald said.
"We're thrilled Kupe's going to a new home and will continue to be cared for and her skills utilised in a new role."
Ray Barlow (left), who was Port Taranaki operations manager when Kupe came to Port Taranaki in 2009, and Port Taranaki senior tug master Barry Govier. Photo: Supplied
Port Taranaki senior tug master Barry Govier said many current and former Port Taranaki staff had fond memories of Kupe.
"When she arrived here, she was the pride of the port, we thought so much of her," he said.
"Like so many, I've had the pleasure of working on Kupe, and there's a real part of me in Kupe. Every day she was in service, and every day she performed. The abilities she can show, even to the modern tugs, is amazing."
Govier said while it was sad to say goodbye, he was pleased she was "going to a good home".
"Most people, as they go through their working life, imagine retiring to a little bit of warmth, and being called on now and then for their knowledge and skills. So I think it's fitting that the new owners have taken Kupe to that next stage - they're taking her to a tropical island, where she'll still contribute and continue to be appreciated."
New owner Raoul Monthouel, who has operated Seaworks Vanuatu for 12 years, said Kupe would be utilised for its six-strong fleet which is involved in vessel salvage operations.
"The vessel fleets in Vanuatu are old and every year a number of vessels are grounded or wrecked because of cyclones, so there is a lot of salvage work available.
"We have been renting a second vessel for our work, but I have wanted a second of our own," Monthouel said.
New owners of Kupe, Raoul Monthouel and son Alan. Photo: Supplied
"I've had great experience with a Voith Schneider tug in the past - the Waitangi - so when I saw this tug, which is very similar but more powerful, I didn't hesitate in looking to buy her."
Monthouel, his 16-year-old son Alan, and a New Zealand crew left on Kupe for Vanuatu on 2 August.
"We will do our best to take great care of Kupe," he said.
Kupe leaves Port Taranaki. Photo: Supplied