Udupi Cochin Shipyard launches 70-tonne tug for Adani Group’s Ocean Sparkle

By Admin

08 Oct, 2025

Strengthening India’s Shipbuilding Self-Reliance
Udupi Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Ltd., has successfully launched the first of three high-performance 70-tonne bollard pull tugs being built for Ocean Sparkle Ltd., part of the Adani Ports and SEZ Group. The vessel was launched at UCSL’s Udupi facility in the presence of MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, who praised the shipyard’s growing contribution to the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and India’s journey towards self-reliance in shipbuilding.

World-Class Design and Engineering Excellence
Designed by the renowned Robert Allan Ltd. of Canada, the newly launched tug spans 33 metres in length and features twin 1,838 kW engines paired with 2.7-metre Niigata IHI propellers. This advanced configuration ensures superior manoeuvrability, stability, and powerful towing capability key for high-demand port and terminal operations.

Expanding Fleet for Ocean Sparkle
UCSL is currently building eight more tugs for Ocean Sparkle Ltd., reaffirming its strong relationship with the Adani Group in advancing India’s maritime operational efficiency. Earlier in 2024, UCSL also delivered two 70-tonne bollard pull tugs to Polestar Maritime, showcasing the shipyard’s proven track record in timely and quality vessel delivery.

Diversifying with Global Projects
Beyond tug construction, UCSL’s shipbuilding portfolio extends to international projects. The company is constructing general and dry cargo vessels for Norway-based Wilson ASA, two of which have already been successfully delivered marking a growing footprint in global maritime markets.

Aligning with India’s ASTDS Programme
These developments align with the Government of India’s Approved Standard Tug Design and Specifications (ASTDS) programme, a strategic initiative to enhance indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. Through such projects, UCSL continues to strengthen India’s maritime infrastructure, foster technological innovation, and support the nation’s broader “Make in India” and “Maritime India Vision 2030” goals.

Conclusion
The launch of this 70-tonne tug not only signifies a technological milestone for UCSL and Ocean Sparkle but also represents a significant stride in India’s mission to become a global hub for shipbuilding excellence.