Indian Navy's Commodore launches 'Mahabali' tug, advancing self-reliance in shipbuilding

Commodore Sunil Kaushik of the Indian Navy marked a significant milestone by launching 'Mahabali', a 25-ton Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, on October 28, 2023. This vessel, a creation of Shoft Shipyard located in Bharuch, Gujarat, is one of three such tugs commissioned as part of a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Defence and the Shipyard. The initiative stands in alignment with the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" campaign, emphasising self-reliance in indigenous manufacturing. Additionally, these tugs have been constructed in accordance with the classification rules set forth by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

These vessels, as per the Ministry of Defence, will assume a crucial role in aiding naval ships and submarines during berthing and unberthing operations, as well as in navigating through confined waters. Additionally, they are equipped to enhance firefighting capabilities for ships both alongside and at anchorage. Also, these tugs are outfitted for limited Search and Rescue Operations, the MoD added in their official statement.

Back in September 20, 2033, the shipbuilding industry in Dakshina Kannada unveiled a 62-ton bollard pull tug for Ocean Sparkle, an enterprise within the Adani Group. This accomplishment was spearheaded by Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited, a subsidiary known for its role in manufacturing the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant for the Government of India.

Also the Ministry of Shipping, on September 4, 2020, issued a directive for all major ports to exclusively procure or charter tug boats manufactured in India. The move, as per officials, was to revitalise old shipyards and promoting domestic shipbuilding is unwavering.

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reaffirmed the government's dedication to establishing an ecosystem for shipbuilding, repair, recycling, and flagging within India in the wake of this mandate. In tandem with this, a Standing Specifications Committee was instituted, comprising key entities such as Cochin ShipYard Limited, Shipping Corporation of India, Indian Register of Shipping, and the Director General of Shipping. Their collective effort standardised tug designs and specifications, ensuring strict compliance with Indian-built criteria.