The Indian government's goal to bolster national shipbuilding has been significantly supported by the private sector. Recently, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) secured an order for eight 70-ton bollard pull harbor tugs from Cochin Shipyard in Kerala. This marks one of APSEZ's most substantial orders with an Indian shipyard, with the contract valued at approximately $52 million. The deliveries are scheduled to start in December 2026 and are expected to last until May 2028.
With the addition of these eight tugs, APSEZ's fleet will increase to 152 vessels. Previously, APSEZ had commissioned the construction of two 62-ton bollard pull ASD tugs for its subsidiary, Ocean Sparkle Ltd. Both of these tugs have been delivered and are operational at Paradeep Port and New Mangalore Port. Furthermore, in June, APSEZ placed an order for three more ASD tugs, with construction currently underway at the Udupi Cochin Shipyard (UCSL).
The purpose of these new tugs is to enhance the efficiency and safety of vessel operations in Indian ports. APSEZ CEO Ashwani Gupta stated, "Our partnership to procure from Cochin shipyard underscores our dedication to strengthening India's maritime infrastructure and reflects our trust in the country's public sector undertakings (PSUs). By harnessing local manufacturing expertise, which is of a global standard, we are looking to contribute to the 'Make in India' initiative."
The new tug construction coincides with Adani Group's extensive port investment plans in India. APSEZ recently declared an investment of around $1.2 billion to expedite the development of Vizhinjam, India's transshipment port, located in Kerala's southern region. While the port's first phase became operational in July, APSEZ is committed to completing the second phase by 2028, ahead of the initial 2045 schedule. Upon completion, Vizhinjam Port is projected to handle a capacity of three million TEUs.
The Adani Group has faced scrutiny since U.S. prosecutors filed criminal charges against its founder, Gautam Adani. He is accused of paying or promising approximately $265 million in bribes to Indian officials to sell them expensive power from India's largest solar project.
