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The yard is currently constructing 70-tonne bollard pull tugs for Polestar Maritime Limited and 3800 TDW Future Proof Dry Cargo Vessels for Wilson ASA, Norway.
Cochin : Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has delivered India’s first tugboat designed and built according to the Approved Standard Tug Design and Specifications (ASTDS) established by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW). This milestone achievement marks a significant step forward for the Indian shipbuilding industry and reinforces the government’s “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” initiative. LLP
The 62-tonne bollard pull tug, named “Ocean Sparkle,” was delivered to Adani Harbour Services Limited and Ocean Sparkle Limited, an Adani Group company. Adani Group is currently the largest tug owner and operator in India with a fleet of approximately 100 vessels.
This delivery marks the culmination of a successful collaboration between CSL and Adani Group. Both parties have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop Green Tugs as part of the government’s Green Tug Transition Programme.
Key Features of the “Ocean Sparkle” Tug:
Length overall (LOA): 33.00 meters (excluding fenders)
Breadth moulded: 11.9 meters
Depth moulded: 5.40 meters
International gross tonnage: less than 500 GT
Crew capacity: 12 persons
Static bollard pull: more than 62 tonnes
Built under Indian Flag and classed under Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)
Significance of the ASTDS Compliance:
The ASTDS program aims to standardize tugs operating in Indian ports, thereby enhancing safety, efficiency, and environmental protection. This initiative also helps promote the domestic shipbuilding industry by creating demand for standardized vessels.
Future Prospects for UCSL:
UCSL, under the leadership of CSL, has a promising future with a healthy order book. The yard is currently constructing 70-tonne bollard pull tugs for Polestar Maritime Limited and 3800 TDW Future Proof Dry Cargo Vessels for Wilson ASA, Norway. Additionally, UCSL is also involved in building Deep Sea Fishing Boats under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme.
Sanjay Kumar Kewalramani, Chief Operating Officer, Adani Harbour Services Limited & Ocean Sparkle Limited stated “We are pleased to receive the first ASTDS-compliant tug built in India. This milestone achievement reflects the growing capabilities of the Indian shipbuilding industry. We appreciate UCSL’s efforts in delivering a high-quality vessel within the stipulated timeframe.”
Madhu S Nair, Chairman & Managing Director, CSL expressed “We are proud to have delivered India’s first ASTDS-compliant tugboat. This project demonstrates our commitment to supporting the government’s initiatives and contributing to the growth of the Indian shipbuilding industry. We look forward to collaborating with the Adani Group on future projects, including the development of Green Tugs.”
The delivery of the “Ocean Sparkle” tug represents a significant achievement for CSL, UCSL, and the Adani Group. This project not only marks a turning point for the Indian shipbuilding industry but also underscores the government’s commitment to promoting standardization and sustainability in the maritime sector.
