Vizag strengthens harbour operations with new 60-tonne tugboats

Visakhapatnam Port Authority has taken a significant step to upgrade its marine support fleet with the induction of a new generation of high-powered tugboats, underscoring the growing importance of harbour craft in modern port operations.

Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), a state-owned Mini-Ratna defence PSU based in Visakhapatnam, marked two key milestones in a tug construction programme for the port. The shipyard carried out the keel-laying of the first 60-tonne bollard pull (BP) tug and simultaneously formalised a contract for the construction of a second tug of the same class.

The two vessels are being designed and built domestically by HSL, continuing its long association with Visakhapatnam Port Authority and reinforcing local shipbuilding capabilities.

Although often unnoticed outside maritime circles, tugboats play a decisive role in port efficiency and safety. As vessels calling at Indian ports grow in size and operate on tighter schedules, the demand for more powerful and agile harbour tugs has increased. Higher bollard pull ratings allow tugs to exert greater force, enabling precise manoeuvring of large ships during berthing and unberthing, particularly in confined waters or adverse weather conditions.

The 60T BP tug, with an overall length of about 32.5 metres, has been designed to handle intensive harbour duties, including assisting large vessels, towing operations, and responding to emergencies within port limits. For a multi-cargo port such as Visakhapatnam—handling bulk commodities, containers, and industrial cargo—such assets are critical to maintaining smooth vessel turnaround and minimising operational delays.

Speaking at the event, Visakhapatnam Port Authority Chairperson Dr Madhaiyaan Angamuthu emphasised that timely delivery and quality construction of marine assets were essential for sustaining operational reliability and institutional confidence. He noted that with rising cargo volumes, ports must continually invest in support vessels to ensure safety and efficiency.

From the shipyard’s perspective, harbour craft programmes provide steady work and strengthen industrial ecosystems. Hindustan Shipyard Limited Chairman and Managing Director Commodore Girideep Singh said the twin milestones demonstrated HSL’s engineering strength and project execution capabilities. He also acknowledged the role of technology partners Vedam and Solas Marine in supporting the programme.

The tug construction initiative aligns with broader national efforts under Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme, aimed at modernising port infrastructure while boosting domestic manufacturing.

Beyond enhancing port operations, the project is expected to generate local employment and further consolidate Visakhapatnam’s standing as a key hub for shipbuilding and maritime services on India’s east coast.