TOKATU

TOKATU (IMO: 9816153) is a Fishing vessel sailing under the New Zealand flag. It has an overall length of 276 feets and a beam of 56 feets.

Vessel Identification

• MMSI: 512443000
• IMO: 9816153
• Call Sign: ZMTK
• Flag State: New Zealand
• Vessel Type: Research Vessel
• Status: Active

Specifications

• Gross Tonnage: 1,900 GT
• Length Overall: 70.3 m
• Beam: 16.5 m
• Draught: 5.2 m

Propulsion

• Propulsion Type: Diesel-Electric
• Drive Type: Azimuth Thruster (Z-drive)
• Dynamic Positioning: DP2 capable

Shipyard

• Builder: Astilleros Gondan S.A.
• Country: Spain
• Year Built: 2019

Owner / Operator

• Owner: New Zealand Government
• Operator: National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)
• Home Port: Wellington, New Zealand

Navigation / Communications Equipment

• AIS Class: Class A
• Navigation Systems: GMDSS equipped
• Survey Equipment: Multi-beam sonar, scientific echo sounders, oceanographic winches and sampling systems

Operating Region

• Primary Region: South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
• Secondary Regions: Southern Ocean, Antarctic waters

Vessel Description

TOKATU is a dedicated oceanographic and fisheries research vessel operated by NIWA on behalf of the New Zealand Government. The vessel was purpose-built to support New Zealand's marine science programs, replacing the older research vessel Tangaroa in certain operational roles. Designed with a diesel-electric propulsion system and DP2 dynamic positioning capability, TOKATU is equipped to conduct sustained scientific operations in challenging sea conditions, including the Southern Ocean. The vessel supports a broad range of research activities including fisheries stock assessment, seafloor mapping, oceanographic sampling, and environmental monitoring across New Zealand's vast maritime domain and adjacent waters.