Miniratna Defence Ministry PSU HSL Initiates Steel Cutting for Second 60T BP Tug for VPA (Image: File)
Miniratna Category-I Defence Public Sector Undertaking Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has commenced steel cutting for the second 60-ton Bollard Pull (BP) Tug being constructed for the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), marking another step forward in strengthening port infrastructure at Vizag.
The ceremony was held last week at HSL’s Hull Shop, where K. Roshni Aparanji, IAS, Deputy Chairperson of VPA, activated the CNC plasma cutting machine to formally begin fabrication of the vessel.
The contract for the second 60T BP tug was signed on December 22, 2025. The steel cutting has been achieved in under two months. This underlines the shipyard’s project readiness and execution efficiency. Construction of the first tug is already underway--its keel laid and work progressing steadily.
The two 32-metre harbour tugs are being built in line with Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Designed for high manoeuvrability and strong escort capability, the vessels are expected to enhance VPA’s operational efficiency, support growing vessel traffic, reduce turnaround time, and bolster emergency response capabilities within the port.
Capt. G. Venkateswarlu, IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of HSL, described the collaboration with VPA as a significant milestone for the shipyard. He noted that the steel-cutting ceremony represents the transition from planning to physical construction. Thus reflecting HSL’s expanding industrial capacity. He also highlighted that the DPSU is concurrently executing major national shipbuilding programmes, including complex Fleet Support Ships.
He added that projects like these are not just about steel and machinery, but about people. According to him, it is the dedication of HSL’s skilled workers, the contribution of MSME partners along with the trust placed by VPA that ultimately turn sheets of steel into a fully functional vessel.
Deputy Chairperson Roshni Aparanji appreciated HSL for beginning fabrication so soon after signing the contract. She highlighted the need for constant technological upgrades, accuracy in workmanship as well as strict quality standards in shipbuilding. She also urged everyone involved to work together to further strengthen Visakhapatnam’s reputation as a key maritime hub.
A 60-ton Bollard Pull tug is a powerful harbour support vessel that helps large ships while entering or leaving a port. The “60-ton” figure refers to the tug’s pulling strength—the amount of force it can apply when tied to a fixed point. This strength allows it to safely assist big cargo ships, tankers, and container vessels within the port area.
These tugs are usually about 30 to 32 metres long. They are fitted with modern propulsion systems such as azimuth stern drives (ASD), which allow them to move and turn in any direction with great control. They are also equipped with firefighting systems, pollution response equipment, and strong fenders, which makes them essential for safe and efficient port operations.
These vessels play a critical role in improving maritime logistics by ensuring safer navigation, faster vessel turnaround and enhanced operational resilience at busy commercial ports.
