Cochin Shipyard Limited Begins Construction of Two 70-Tonne Bollard Pull Tugs for Polestar Maritime Limited

By Admin

28 Feb, 2026

Project Milestone

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) marked a significant milestone with the steel-cutting ceremony for two advanced ASD (Azimuth Stern Drive) 70-tonne bollard pull tugs for Polestar Maritime Limited. The event reinforces CSL’s leadership position in India’s harbour tug construction segment and highlights its continued partnership with private maritime operators.

The ceremony signifies the formal commencement of hull fabrication, a critical stage in shipbuilding that reflects technical preparedness and production planning excellence.

Technical Specifications and Design

The new ASTDS tugs will measure 33 metres in length, with a beam of 12.2 metres and a draft of 4.2 metres. Each vessel will be powered by two main engines rated at 1838 kW, coupled with 2.7-metre propellers supplied by Niigata IHI Power Systems Co. Ltd..

The vessels are based on proven designs from Robert Allan Limited, a globally recognised design house for harbour tugs. These designs are known for superior manoeuvrability, operational safety, and high bollard pull efficiency critical for demanding harbour and port operations.

Expanding Orderbook and Strategic Collaboration

With this latest order, CSL’s total orderbook with Polestar Maritime has expanded to 19 ASTDS tugs and six green tugs. The ASTDS tugs are being built under standard specifications prescribed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).

Meanwhile, the six green tugs are being developed under the Ministry’s Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), a transformative initiative aimed at modernising India’s harbour tug fleet.

Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP)

The GTTP seeks to progressively replace or supplement conventional diesel-powered harbour tugs with low- or zero-emission alternatives across India’s major ports. This aligns with India’s broader sustainability and decarbonisation goals in the maritime sector.

By integrating energy-efficient propulsion systems and environmentally responsible technologies, CSL and its partners are contributing to cleaner port operations and reduced carbon emissions.

Leadership and Industry Participation

Speaking on the occasion, Jose V.J., Director (Finance) and Chairman & Managing Director (Additional Charge) of CSL, stated that CSL and its associate yard, Udupi-CSL, have introduced Robert Allan Limited-designed tugs in India in compliance with ASTDS norms. These efforts have set new benchmarks in quality, delivery timelines, and sustainable shipbuilding practices.

The ceremony was officiated by Polestar Maritime Director Vinit Badani in the presence of senior officials including Shri Harikrishnan S. (Director – Operations), Harikumar A. (CEO, Udupi-CSL), Mr Shiraz V.P. (Executive Director – Shipbuilding), representatives from the Indian Register of Shipping, and other key stakeholders overseeing classification and compliance.

Strengthening India’s Harbour Tug Segment

This development further consolidates CSL’s position as a key player in India’s harbour tug segment. It also reflects the growing collaboration between domestic shipyards and private maritime operators in advancing modern, efficient, and environmentally responsible port operations.

As India continues to strengthen its port infrastructure and maritime capabilities, projects like these underline the country’s commitment to self-reliance, technological advancement, and sustainable growth in the shipping and logistics ecosystem.