<p data-path-to-node="4">Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of state-run Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has handed over a high-performance 70-tonne bollard pull harbour tug to Ocean Sparkle Limited (OSL), an Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) company.</p><p data-path-to-node="5">The vessel marks the successful completion of the initial three-tug contract within an expanding 15-vessel tug construction programme being executed by UCSL for the Adani Group firm.</p><p data-path-to-node="6">In a notable operational turnaround, the Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tug was delivered within 47 days of its launch, adhering strictly to contractual delivery schedules. The rapid delivery underscores UCSL’s optimized production workflows, disciplined engineering management, and execution capabilities for specialized harbour craft.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="7"><b data-path-to-node="7" data-index-in-node="0">Vessel Specifications &amp; Technical Features</b></h3><ul data-path-to-node="8"><li><p data-path-to-node="8,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="8,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Design and Propulsion:</b> Built to designs by renowned Canadian naval architecture firm Robert Allan Ltd., the tug features an Azimuth Stern Drive configuration powered by twin heavy-duty engines paired with large-diameter thrusters, delivering a static bollard pull of 70 tonnes.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="8,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="8,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Harbour Capabilities:</b> Designed for port operations, berthing assistance, coastal towing, and escort operations, the tug is outfitted with forward and aft towing winches, a deck crane, and an advanced external firefighting (FiFi) system.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="8,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="8,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">ASTDS Compliance:</b> Built under the Indian Flag and classed under the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), the vessel conforms to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ Approved Standard Tug Design and Specifications (ASTDS) framework.</p></li></ul><h3 data-path-to-node="9"><b data-path-to-node="9" data-index-in-node="0">Strategic &amp; Industry Impact</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="10">The delivery deepens the strategic collaboration between UCSL and Ocean Sparkle, following an expansion of the construction programme through repeat orders for eight and four additional 70T ASD tugs placed across 2024 and 2026.</p><p data-path-to-node="11">The milestone aligns directly with the central government’s <i data-path-to-node="11" data-index-in-node="60">Atmanirbhar Bharat</i> and <i data-path-to-node="11" data-index-in-node="83">Make in India</i> directives, reinforcing domestic shipyards' capacity to supply standardized, modern auxiliary vessels for major ports, private terminals, and marine service fleets across India’s coastline.</p>