VOC port welcomes maiden call of 60T bollard pull tug

The V.O. Chidambaram Port Authority on Thursday marked the maiden call of the newly inducted 60-tonne Bollard Pull tug ‘M.T. Ocean Alliance’, strengthening its marine infrastructure and operational capability.
The occasion was witnessed by Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, and Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson, along with senior port officials.
The Indian-built tug has been constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Udupi, and was delivered in December 2025.
With a Bollard Pull capacity of 60 tonnes and a Gross Tonnage of 498 GT, the tug has been designed in accordance with the Approved Standard Tug Designs and Specifications. The induction aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and Make in India initiatives of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, aimed at enhancing self-reliance in maritime infrastructure.
The tug has been contracted to M/s Ocean Sparkle Limited, Gujarat, and will be hired by the VOC Port Authority for a period of seven years.
With this addition, the port’s tug fleet now consists of four tugs, including one port-owned tug with 45-tonne Bollard Pull, two hired tugs with 50-tonne Bollard Pull, and the newly inducted 60-tonne Bollard Pull tug, ensuring safe and efficient marine operations.
Addressing the gathering, Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit said the induction of ‘M.T. Ocean Alliance’ would significantly enhance operational efficiency, facilitate safe berthing and unberthing of large vessels, and help reduce vessel turnaround time.
He described the addition as a major step towards strengthening port capabilities and supporting India’s maritime growth. It was also noted that the VOC Port Authority has placed orders for a new 60-tonne Bollard Pull green tug under the Green Tug Transition Programme, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and technological
advancement.
The details were shared in a press release issued by the V.O. Chidambaram Port Authority.