Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has announced a significant step in enhancing its maritime operations with the procurement of eight state-of-the-art harbour tugs from Cochin Shipyard Ltd. The project, valued at Rs 450 crore, underscores APSEZ’s alignment with the Government of India’s flagship initiatives, Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, by emphasizing local manufacturing and technological self-reliance. The tugs are scheduled for phased delivery between December 2026 and May 2028, promising to boost operational efficiency and safety across Indian ports. The initiative reflects APSEZ’s commitment to modernizing India’s maritime infrastructure while adhering to global standards.
Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director & CEO, APSEZ, highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration:
“This collaboration to procure from Cochin Shipyard Ltd signifies our commitment to enhancing maritime infrastructure in India and demonstrates our confidence in our nation’s PSUs. By leveraging local manufacturing capabilities, which are world-class, we aim to contribute to the ‘Make in India’ initiative while ensuring that our operations meet international standards of safety and efficiency.”
APSEZ’s collaboration with Cochin Shipyard Ltd builds on its previous successes. The company had earlier contracted two 62 ton bollard pull ASD (Azimuth Stern Drive) tugs for Ocean Sparkle Ltd, which were delivered ahead of schedule and deployed at Paradeep Port and New Mangalore Port. The construction of three additional ASD tugs is also underway, raising the total fleet to 13. This fleet modernization ensures enhanced service reliability and operational agility in the port sector.
Beyond operational advancements, this initiative also highlights sustainable practices in shipbuilding, reaffirming the maritime industry’s vital role in driving India’s economic growth. With this bold step, APSEZ continues to lead the way in reinforcing India’s maritime prowess and strengthening its global competitiveness.