The V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority marked a significant milestone with the maiden call of its newly inducted tug, ‘M.T. Ocean Alliance’, in the presence of Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, Shri Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson, and senior port officials.
The Indian-built tug has been constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Udupi, and was delivered in December 2025. With a Bollard Pull capacity of 60 tonnes and a Gross Tonnage of 498 GT, the tug has been designed in accordance with the Approved Standard Tug Designs and Specifications (ASTDS). Its induction strongly aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and Make in India initiatives of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), underscoring India’s growing self-reliance in maritime infrastructure.
The tug has been contracted to M/s Ocean Sparkle Limited, Gujarat, and will be hired by VOC Port Authority for a period of seven years. With this addition, the port’s tug fleet has expanded to four vessels, comprising one port-owned 45T BP tug, two hired 50T BP tugs, and the newly inducted 60T BP tug, significantly strengthening the port’s marine support capabilities and ensuring safe and efficient vessel operations.
Addressing the occasion, Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, VOC Port Authority, stated that the induction of M.T. Ocean Alliance will substantially enhance operational efficiency, facilitate safe berthing and unberthing of larger vessels, and contribute to reduced vessel turnaround time. He noted that the addition represents an important step in reinforcing the port’s operational resilience and supporting India’s expanding maritime trade.
Further reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and innovation, VOC Port Authority has also placed orders for a new 60T BP Green Tug under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), reflecting the port’s proactive approach towards environmentally responsible and future-ready maritime operations.