Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has launched the first of three 70-tonne bollard pull tugs being built for Ocean Sparkle Limited, a subsidiary of Adani Ports and SEZ. The launch ceremony, held in Udupi, was officiated by Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary, who commended the shipyard’s contribution to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and India’s growing indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. The tug, designed by Canadian naval architecture firm Robert Allan Ltd, is 33 metres long and powered by two 1,838 kW engines paired with 2.7-metre Niigata IHI propellers. The vessel has a bollard pull capacity of 70 tonnes, ensuring high manoeuvrability and strength for port and offshore operations. UCSL is also constructing eight additional tugs for Ocean Sparkle and has previously delivered two 70-tonne bollard pull tugs for Polestar Maritime in 2024. Beyond domestic projects, the shipyard is building general cargo and dry cargo vessels for Norway-based Wilson ASA, two of which have already been delivered. In addition, UCSL has another 70-tonne tug under construction for Polestar, further cementing its position as a leading player in India’s small and medium vessel segment. These shipbuilding projects are being executed in alignment with the Union Government’s Approved Standard Tug Design and Specifications (ASTDS) framework, which aims to standardise design efficiency, enhance quality, and promote self-reliance in India’s maritime manufacturing sector. The successful launch underscores Udupi Cochin Shipyard’s expanding global footprint and its role in advancing India’s maritime strength and export potential.