Udupi (Karnataka): The Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), on Monday launched the first tug in a series of three 70-tonne bollard pull tugs being built for M/s. Ocean Sparkle Limited, a subsidiary of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ).

The launch event was graced by Kota Srinivas Poojary, Member of Parliament from Udupi–Chikkamagaluru, who officially launched the vessel and commended the efforts of Cochin Shipyard Group and UCSL in advancing the Union government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the maritime sector.

According to a release issued by Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited, the MP praised the company’s growing role in domestic shipbuilding and its contribution towards enhancing India’s self-reliance in marine engineering and logistics support infrastructure.

Ocean Sparkle orders 11 tugs in total

The three-vessel series for Ocean Sparkle Limited represents the first batch of a much larger order. The company has placed additional orders for eight more tugs of similar design, which are currently in the design phase at UCSL.

These tugs are expected to significantly strengthen the operational capabilities of Ocean Sparkle Limited, one of India’s leading providers of marine services and port operations, especially across Adani Ports’ vast network.

Technical specifications of the tug

Each of the 70-tonne bollard pull tugs measures 33 metres in length, with a beam of 12.2 metres and a draft of 4.2 metres. They will be powered by two main engines of 1,838 kW each, driving 2.7-metre propellers supplied by Niigata IHI Power Systems Co. Ltd.

The tugs will also feature deck equipment sourced from WRig Limited and are being constructed to the designs developed by Robert Allan Limited, a globally recognised leader in harbour tug design.

According to UCSL, these vessels are being built in accordance with the Approved Standard Tug Design and Specifications (ASTDS) introduced by the Government of India to promote the standardisation and localisation of tug construction under the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme.

Proven track record in tug construction

This latest launch builds on UCSL’s growing expertise in high-performance tug design and manufacturing. The yard has already delivered two 62-tonne bollard pull tugs for Ocean Sparkle Limited in 2023 and two 70-tonne bollard pull tugs for Polestar Maritime Limited in 2024.

UCSL is currently constructing one more 70-tonne bollard pull tug for Polestar Maritime Limited, which is expected to be delivered in the coming months.

Expanding global portfolio

Beyond tug construction, UCSL continues to diversify its shipbuilding portfolio with multiple international orders. The yard is building six 3,800 deadweight (DWT) general cargo vessels and eight 6,300 DWT dry cargo vessels for M/s. Wilson ASA, Norway.

Two of the 3,800 DWT general cargo vessels have already been successfully delivered to the Norwegian client, underlining the company’s growing international presence and adherence to global quality standards.

Driving Atmanirbhar Bharat in shipbuilding

Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited, which operates as part of the Cochin Shipyard Group, has emerged as a key player in India’s strategy to develop a self-sufficient and export-capable shipbuilding industry.

By adopting and piloting projects under the ASTDS scheme, UCSL is actively contributing to standardisation, cost efficiency, and technological innovation in India’s tug and coastal vessel segment.

The launch of the first 70-tonne tug for Ocean Sparkle Limited is seen as another step towards strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure and boosting indigenous shipbuilding capabilities in line with national policy goals.