Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), a flagship company of the Adani Group and India’s largest port operator, has announced a significant step to modernize and expand its maritime capabilities. The company has placed an order for eight advanced harbour tugs to be constructed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd, marking a major milestone in Bharat’s shipbuilding and port operations. The total contract value is estimated at Rs 450 crore.
This landmark deal aligns with the central government’s flagship ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, promoting local manufacturing and self-reliance in critical industries. The addition of these tugs is expected to bolster the operational efficiency and safety of APSEZ’s port operations while enhancing Bharat’s maritime infrastructure.
The new harbour tugs, each with a 70-tonne bollard pull capacity, will be delivered between December 2026 and May 2028. These vessels will be deployed across APSEZ-operated ports to ensure smooth and secure vessel movements. With this procurement, APSEZ will expand its fleet to 152 vessels, underscoring its commitment to modernising port operations and supporting Bharat’s growing trade needs.
Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director & CEO of APSEZ, emphasised the strategic importance of the partnership:
“This collaboration with Cochin Shipyard Ltd 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.”
Cochin Shipyard Ltd, one of Bharat’s leading Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in the shipbuilding sector, has a proven track record of delivering high-quality vessels. APSEZ has a longstanding partnership 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 now 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 highlights APSEZ’s trust in the shipyard’s capabilities and reinforces the importance of indigenous shipbuilding in meeting global standards.
The new tugs are designed to meet international safety and efficiency standards, ensuring reliable and sustainable operations. Their deployment will contribute to reducing turnaround times, enhancing port productivity, and supporting larger vessels. This focus on operational excellence is a key component of APSEZ’s strategy to maintain its leadership in the maritime sector.
The initiative also underscores the role of sustainable practices in shipbuilding. Cochin Shipyard’s emphasis on eco-friendly production methods aligns with APSEZ’s broader goal of minimising environmental impact while delivering high-performance maritime solutions.
This procurement represents the largest order of its kind in Bharat, reflecting APSEZ’s commitment to investing in advanced technology and infrastructure. The tugs’ enhanced capabilities will not only support APSEZ’s operations but also strengthen Bharat’s maritime ecosystem, making it more competitive on a global scale.
As Bharat’s largest port developer and operator, APSEZ continues to expand its reach both nationally and internationally. Domestically, the company operates strategically located ports and terminals, providing integrated transport solutions from port gates to customer gates. Internationally, APSEZ is developing a transshipment port in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and managing operations at the Haifa Port in Israel and Container Terminal 2 at Dar Es Salaam Port, Tanzania.
