High-Bollard Pull Tugs to Ease Traffic Pressure at Visakhapatnam Port

For India’s major ports, efficiency is no longer driven only by berth expansion or cargo-handling equipment. Increasingly, it is the availability of specialised marine support vessels that determines how smoothly traffic moves in and out of the harbour.Against this backdrop, a state-owned Mini-Ratna defence public sector undertaking on Monday marked two milestones in an ongoing tug construction programme for the Visakhapatnam Port Authority. The developments included the keel laying of the first 60-ton Bollard Pull (BP) tug and the signing of a contract for a second vessel of the same class.Both tugs are being designed and built indigenously by Hindustan Shipyard Limited at its shipyard in Visakhapatnam, adding to the port’s marine fleet at a time

when vessel sizes and traffic density are steadily increasing.While tugs rarely attract the visibility of cargo terminals or cranes, port operators consider them indispensable. In busy harbours, high-bollard-pull tugs are critical for manoeuvring large commercial vessels safely during berthing and unberthing, particularly under tight schedules or challenging weather conditions.The 60T BP tug, with an overall length of 32.5 metres, has been designed for demanding harbour duties including towing, escorting vessels, and emergency response within port limits. Higher bollard pull allows a tug to exert greater force, enabling better control of large ships in confined waters.Officials familiar with port operations note that as cargo volumes rise, even small delays can cascade across the system. In that context, modern support vessels play a direct role in reducing turnaround time, improving berth utilisation, and maintaining safety standards.Speaking at the event, Visakhapatnam Port Authority Chairperson Dr Madhaiyaan Angamuthu said that timely execution and consistent quality were essential to sustaining long-term institutional partnerships. He pointed out that with the port pursuing higher operational targets, dependable marine assets would become increasingly important.From the shipbuilding side, harbour craft programmes also serve a strategic purpose. Unlike large naval platforms, such projects offer steady execution cycles, help retain skilled manpower, and support domestic vendor networks, including MSMEs. They also reduce reliance on imported designs in a segment that has traditionally seen overseas sourcing.Hindustan Shipyard Limited Chairman and Managing Director Commodore Girideep Singh said the twin milestones reflected the shipyard’s ability to manage design, construction, and delivery within defined timelines. He also acknowledged the role of technology partners Vedam and Solas Marine in the programme.Beyond the immediate operational impact, the project is expected to support local employment and reinforce Visakhapatnam’s role as a centre for indigenous shipbuilding and maritime services.