Adani Ports Expands Maritime Fleet with New Tugs

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), the largest port operator in India and a key player in the Adani Group, has taken a significant step towards enhancing its maritime capabilities. The company has placed an order for eight advanced harbour tugs from Cochin Shipyard Ltd, marking a pivotal moment in India’s shipbuilding and port operations. This contract, valued at approximately Rs 450 crore, not only signifies a major investment in maritime infrastructure but also aligns with the Indian government’s initiatives to promote local manufacturing and self-reliance.

Strengthening India’s Maritime Infrastructure

The procurement of these new harbour tugs is a strategic move that supports the central government’s flagship initiatives, namely ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’ These initiatives aim to bolster local manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign imports in critical sectors. The addition of the tugs is expected to enhance the operational efficiency and safety of APSEZ’s port operations, thereby contributing to the overall development of India’s maritime infrastructure.

Each of the new tugs will have a bollard pull capacity of 70 tonnes and are scheduled for delivery between December 2026 and May 2028. Once operational, these vessels will be deployed across various APSEZ-operated ports to facilitate smooth and secure vessel movements. With this latest order, APSEZ will expand its fleet to a total of 152 vessels, reinforcing its commitment to modernizing port operations and meeting the growing trade demands of the country.

Ashwani Gupta, the Whole-time Director and CEO of APSEZ, highlighted the importance of this partnership with Cochin Shipyard Ltd. He stated, “This collaboration underscores our dedication to strengthening Bharat’s maritime infrastructure. By leveraging world-class local manufacturing capabilities, we aim to enhance our operational standards while contributing significantly to the ‘Make in India’ vision.” This statement reflects APSEZ’s commitment to not only improving its own operations but also contributing to the broader goals of national development.

A Proven Partnership with Cochin Shipyard

Cochin Shipyard Ltd is one of India’s leading Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in the shipbuilding sector, known for its high-quality vessels. APSEZ has a longstanding relationship with the shipyard, having previously commissioned two 62-tonne bollard pull Azimuthing Stern Drive (ASD) tugs for its subsidiary, Ocean Sparkle Ltd. These vessels were delivered ahead of schedule and are currently operational at Paradeep Port and New Mangalore Port.

Currently, three additional ASD tugs are under construction at Cochin Shipyard. With the latest order for eight more harbour tugs, the total number of vessels commissioned from the shipyard rises to 13. This growing collaboration not only highlights APSEZ’s trust in the shipyard’s capabilities but also emphasizes the importance of indigenous shipbuilding in meeting global standards.

The new tugs are designed to adhere to international safety and efficiency standards, ensuring reliable and sustainable operations. Their deployment will help reduce turnaround times, enhance port productivity, and accommodate larger vessels. This focus on operational excellence is a crucial aspect of APSEZ’s strategy to maintain its leadership in the maritime sector. Furthermore, the initiative underscores the role of sustainable practices in shipbuilding, as Cochin Shipyard’s eco-friendly production methods align with APSEZ’s broader goal of minimizing environmental impact while delivering high-performance maritime solutions.

This procurement represents the largest order of its kind in India, reflecting APSEZ’s commitment to investing in advanced technology and infrastructure. The enhanced capabilities of these tugs will not only support APSEZ’s operations but also strengthen India’s maritime ecosystem, making it more competitive on a global scale. As APSEZ continues to expand its reach both nationally and internationally, it remains dedicated to providing integrated transport solutions and developing strategic ports worldwide.