Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) on Monday achieved a key milestone in India’s indigenous shipbuilding programme with the keel laying of the first 60-tonne Bollard Pull (BP) tug for the Visakhapatnam Port Authority and the signing of a contract for the construction of a second tug of the same class.
The tugboats are being indigenously designed and built by HSL in line with the objectives of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, aimed at modernising port infrastructure and enhancing operational efficiency. Measuring 32.5 metres in length and equipped with a bollard pull of 60 tonnes, the tugs are designed for demanding port operations, enabling safer vessel handling, faster turnaround times and improved efficiency amid rising maritime traffic.
Bollard pull is a standard measure of a tugboat’s maximum static pulling power and reflects its capability to manoeuvre large vessels at low speeds—an essential requirement for modern ports handling larger ships and higher cargo volumes.
Addressing the event, Dr Madhaiyaan Angamuthu, Chairperson of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, emphasised the importance of time-bound delivery and quality workmanship in building institutional trust. Expressing confidence in HSL’s capabilities, he said the partnership would continue to strengthen port operations and support the national maritime ecosystem. He added that with growing cargo volumes and ambitious expansion plans, such tugs and supporting infrastructure would be critical for future port operations.
Cmde Girideep Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of HSL, thanked the Visakhapatnam Port Authority and technology partners M/s Vedam and M/s Solas Marine for their continued support. He said the twin milestones highlighted HSL’s technical expertise, project management strength and delivery performance, reaffirming the shipyard’s commitment to quality, timely execution, customer satisfaction and Make-in-India shipbuilding.