Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has made a substantial move in enhancing its maritime capabilities by placing an order with Cochin Shipyard Ltd for eight state-of-the-art harbour tugs. This order, valued at ₹450 crore, marks a significant investment in the company’s fleet and underscores its commitment to supporting India’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives. The new tugs will bolster APSEZ’s operational efficiency and safety, positioning it for continued leadership in the maritime sector.
Significant Investment and Fleet Expansion
APSEZ’s order for eight 70-tonne bollard pull tugs will increase its total fleet to 152 tugs. This is a strategic move aimed at enhancing the efficiency and safety of vessel operations across Indian ports. The delivery of these tugs is scheduled to begin in December 2026 and continue until May 2028, providing a steady influx of advanced maritime equipment over the next few years.
Aligning with National Initiatives
This procurement aligns closely with the Indian government’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives. By choosing to collaborate with Cochin Shipyard Ltd, a state-owned enterprise, APSEZ is boosting local manufacturing and reinforcing self-reliance in the maritime sector. This decision reflects the company’s confidence in India’s public sector undertakings and their ability to deliver world-class manufacturing capabilities.
Commitment to Excellence and Efficiency
Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director and CEO of APSEZ, emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging local manufacturing to meet international standards. “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,” Gupta stated. This approach not only supports national initiatives but also ensures that APSEZ’s operations remain cutting-edge and highly efficient.
Past Collaborations and Future Prospects
This is not the first time APSEZ has partnered with Cochin Shipyard Ltd. The company contracted the construction of two 62-tonne bollard pull ASD (Azimuthing Stern Drive) tugs for Ocean Sparkle Ltd. Both of which were delivered ahead of schedule and deployed at Paradeep Port and New Mangalore Port. Currently, the construction of three additional ASD tugs is underway, bringing the total number of tugs ordered to 13. These initiatives aim to provide a younger, more efficient fleet capable of delivering reliable services in the port sector.
Enhancing Maritime Infrastructure
APSEZ is the largest port developer and operator in India. Handling a substantial share of the country’s cargo and container volumes. With a cargo handling capacity of 627 million metric tonnes (MMT) as of March 2024. The company operates 15 domestic ports and terminals and four international ports. This extensive network underscores the strategic importance of the new tugs. In enhancing the efficiency and reliability of maritime operations across its ports.
Conclusion
Adani Ports’ landmark order with Cochin Shipyard Ltd highlights its commitment to enhancing maritime infrastructure and operational efficiency. By aligning with national initiatives and investing in maritime equipment. APSEZ is to maintain its leadership in the Indian maritime sector. The strategic expansion of its fleet will ensure that the company continues to set benchmarks in efficiency, safety, and reliability in the years to come.
