Kolkata: Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has laid the keel of the second 60-ton bollard pull tug, VC 11206, being built for the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA). The keel-laying ceremony was performed by Jasmeet Singh Bindra, IRTS, Chairperson, Visakhapatnam Port Authority, in the presence of senior officials from VPA, HSL, Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and Solas Marine.
The contract for the two tugs was signed in December 2025, and the vessels are being constructed to IRS class. The sister tug has already crossed 60% completion, with both vessels scheduled to float out together in October 2026.
The project marks another milestone in the long-standing association between HSL and VPA and is aimed at strengthening maritime operations at Visakhapatnam Port.
Second 60-Ton Tug Reaches Key Construction Milestone
The keel laying of VC 11206 marks an important stage in the construction of the second tug.
Key project milestones include:
- Contract signed: December 2025
- Steel cutting: February 2026
- Keel laying of second tug: September 2026
- Sister tug completion: More than 60%
- Planned float-out: Both tugs in October 2026
- Classification: Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)
The tugs are being constructed to provide enhanced support for port operations, particularly safe berthing and vessel handling.
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VPA Chairperson Highlights Strategic Importance of Tugs
Speaking at the ceremony, Jasmeet Singh Bindra, Chairperson, VPA, said the two tugs would serve as strategic assets for the port.
The tugs are expected to:
- Strengthen safe berthing operations
- Help reduce vessel turnaround time
- Enhance operational support at Visakhapatnam Port
- Strengthen the port’s maritime infrastructure
Bindra also highlighted the importance of the partnership between HSL and VPA, describing both organisations as heritage institutions of Visakhapatnam that have been serving the nation for more than 90 years.
He appreciated HSL for maintaining project timelines, from steel cutting in February to the keel-laying milestone.
HSL and VPA Strengthen Long-Term Maritime Partnership
The latest tug project is part of a broader partnership being developed between HSL and VPA.
RAdm Chandrasekharan Raghuram, VSM (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, HSL, thanked VPA officials, IRS, Solas Marine and HSL’s officers, supervisors and workmen for their contribution to the project.
He reiterated HSL’s commitment to delivering projects within agreed timelines and outlined several future areas of cooperation with VPA.
The proposed areas of collaboration include:
- A 60-ton electric tug
- Green fleet conversion initiatives
- Long-term ship repair tie-up using HSL’s dry dock
- A future shipbuilding complex at Dugarajapatnam
Raghuram emphasised the growing scope of collaboration between the two organisations as they work towards strengthening India’s maritime capabilities.
HSL Builds 13th Vessel for Visakhapatnam Port Authority
The current project further strengthens HSL’s longstanding relationship with VPA.
The two 60-ton bollard pull tugs represent the 13th vessel being built by HSL for VPA since the launch of Shanti in 1970.
The continuing partnership reflects the role of both organisations in supporting the development of Visakhapatnam’s maritime and shipbuilding ecosystem.
Supporting Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat
The tug-building programme aligns with the broader objectives of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, with domestic shipbuilding capabilities being utilised for critical port infrastructure.
The proposed electric tug and green fleet conversion initiatives also indicate a growing focus on cleaner and more sustainable maritime operations.
Together, HSL and VPA are seeking to build a long-term partnership extending beyond tug construction to ship repair, green maritime initiatives and future shipbuilding infrastructure.
The collaboration is aimed at contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and strengthening Visakhapatnam’s position as a major shipbuilding and maritime hub.
About Hindustan Shipyard Limited
Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) is a premier Indian shipbuilding and ship repair organisation based in Visakhapatnam. The company undertakes construction, repair and refit of various types of vessels and plays an important role in strengthening India’s indigenous shipbuilding and maritime capabilities.
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