San Marine shipyard in Kakinada, India has launched two vessels, Sonalika and Sarovar, to support offshore drilling rigs working on India’s oilfields off the western coast.
These 34-m vessels have been classed by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and are part of a four-vessel contract.
Launched simultaneously in April 2024, they are equipped with technologies for handling and towing semi-submersible drilling rigs and have deck space for supplying oil and gas production platforms.
“These vessels are the result of collaborative and diligent efforts, and we look forward to their continued success,” said IRS manager in charge of operations on the east coast of the Indian subcontinent Saikat Roychowdhury.
“Tugs play a critical role in the maritime ecosystem and IRS continues to work with all Indian shipyards.”
San Marine shipyard will work on these two vessels to complete their construction and commission onboard machinery and equipment, while building the other two vessels in the order.
These vessels will be rare additions to the global fleet of anchor handling tugs, as very few are under construction anywhere worldwide as owners have shunned ordering new support ships since 2015 due to the lengthy downturn in the market, which became an upcycle in 2023.
India’s main offshore oil and gas production and drilling activities are on the Mumbai High area in the Gulf of Cambay and are operated by India’s state-backed Oil and Natural Gas Corp, which owns and charters vessels supporting these activities.