Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on Friday marked a significant milestone with the steel-cutting ceremony for two advanced ASD (Azimuth Stern Drive) 70-tonne bollard pull tugs for Polestar Maritime Limited, reinforcing its leadership in harbour tug construction.
The new ASTDS tugs will measure 33 metres in length, with a beam of 12.2 metres and a draft of 4.2 metres. Each vessel will be powered by two main engines rated at 1838 kW, coupled with 2.7-metre propellers supplied by Niigata IHI Power Systems Co. Ltd.. The tugs will be constructed based on proven designs from Robert Allan Limited, globally recognised as a leading design house for harbour tugs.
With this latest order, CSL’s total orderbook with Polestar Maritime has expanded to 19 ASTDS tugs and six green tugs. While ASTDS tugs are built under the standard specifications prescribed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), the green tugs are being developed under the Ministry’s Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP).
The GTTP aims to progressively replace or supplement conventional diesel-powered harbour tugs with low- or zero-emission alternatives across India’s major ports, aligning with the country’s broader sustainability and decarbonisation goals.
Speaking on the occasion, Jose V.J., Director (Finance) and Chairman & Managing Director (Additional Charge) of CSL, said that CSL and its associate yard, Udupi-CSL, have introduced Robert Allan Limited-designed tugs in India in compliance with ASTDS norms, setting new benchmarks in quality and delivery timelines while strengthening the sustainable maritime industry.
The ceremony was officiated by Polestar Maritime Director Vinit Badani in the presence of Shri Harikrishnan S. (Director – Operations), Harikumar A. (CEO, Udupi-CSL), Mr Shiraz V.P. (Executive Director – Shipbuilding), senior CSL officials, and representatives from the Indian Register of Shipping, the vessel classification body overseeing the project.
The development further consolidates CSL’s position as a key player in India’s harbour tug segment and underlines the growing collaboration between domestic shipyards and private maritime operators in advancing modern and environmentally responsible port operations.