New Delhi: Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) on Monday marked two significant milestones in its ongoing 60-ton Bollard Pull (BP) Tug construction programme for the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), reinforcing the strong and long-standing partnership between the two organisations. The milestones included the keel laying of the first tug and the signing of the contract for the construction of the second vessel.
Boost to Indigenous Shipbuilding and Maritime Vision 2030
The two indigenously designed and built 60T BP tugs are aligned with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Once commissioned, the vessels are expected to significantly modernise VPA’s tug fleet and support the port’s future expansion plans amid steadily increasing maritime traffic.
These developments underline India’s growing focus on self-reliance in shipbuilding, indigenous technology adoption, and enhanced port infrastructure to meet global trade demands.
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Advanced Capabilities to Enhance Port Operations
Designed to handle demanding port operations, each tug measures 32.5 metres in length and offers a bollard pull capacity of 60 tonnes. The vessels will improve operational safety, enable quicker and more efficient vessel manoeuvring, and reduce turnaround time for ships calling at the port. This, in turn, is expected to contribute to higher productivity and overall efficiency at the Visakhapatnam Port.
Leadership Emphasises Timely Delivery and Trust
Addressing the gathering, Dr Madhaiyaan Angamuthu (IAS), Chairperson, Visakhapatnam Port Authority, stressed that timely delivery and quality workmanship are essential for building institutional trust. Expressing confidence in HSL’s technical and execution capabilities, he said the collaboration would continue to strengthen both the port and the broader national maritime ecosystem.
He added that with cargo volumes rising and ambitious growth targets ahead, such modern tugs and supporting infrastructure are critical, and cooperation with HSL is expected to deepen in the coming years.
HSL Reaffirms Commitment to Make-in-India
Cmde Girideep Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, HSL, thanked the Visakhapatnam Port Authority and technology partners M/s Vedam and M/s Solas Marine for their continued support. He noted that the twin milestones reflect HSL’s strong technical expertise, robust project management systems, and proven delivery performance.
He reaffirmed the shipyard’s commitment to timely delivery, quality, customer satisfaction, and Make-in-India shipbuilding, while highlighting the role of indigenous capability development, MSME participation, and skilled employment generation.
About Hindustan Shipyard Limited
Hindustan Shipyard Limited is a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Defence, engaged in shipbuilding, ship repairs, submarine refits, and offshore engineering. With a legacy spanning over eight decades, HSL plays a vital role in strengthening India’s maritime and defence capabilities, supporting indigenous manufacturing, and contributing to the growth of the national maritime ecosystem.
