India Launches Third 25T BP Tug as a Testament to ‘Make in India’ Initiative

Bharuch:   India proudly unveiled the third 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, named Bajrang, in a ceremony held at M/s Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd in Bharuch, Gujarat, today. The launch event, presided over by Cmde V Pravin, AWPS (Mbi), marked a pivotal moment in India’s naval prowess and reaffirmed its commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The construction and delivery of these Tugs, including Bajrang, stem from a contract with M/s Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd (M/s SSPL), a Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) firm, aligning seamlessly with the ethos of the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative championed by the Government of India. Built under the stringent classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), these vessels symbolize India’s quest for self-sufficiency in maritime infrastructure.

The deployment of these Tugs holds immense strategic importance, as they will play a pivotal role in supporting the operational commitments of the Indian Navy (IN). These vessels will provide crucial assistance to naval ships and submarines during berthing and un-berthing procedures, as well as maneuvering in confined waters. Additionally, they will be equipped to offer afloat firefighting support to ships alongside and at anchorage, further enhancing maritime safety. Moreover, the Tugs will possess the capability to conduct limited Search and Rescue Operations, bolstering India’s maritime search and rescue capabilities.

The launch of Bajrang underscores India’s growing maritime prowess and its steadfast dedication to indigenous manufacturing. By fostering domestic shipbuilding capabilities, India aims to reduce dependence on foreign imports and strengthen its maritime security apparatus.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Cmde V Pravin emphasized the significance of Bajrang and its counterparts in fortifying India’s maritime capabilities. He lauded the collaborative efforts between the government and private sector entities in realizing this milestone and reiterated India’s commitment to fostering a self-reliant maritime ecosystem.

The commissioning of Bajrang marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards self-sufficiency in maritime infrastructure and underscores its determination to emerge as a dominant force in the global maritime domain. As the nation continues to chart its course towards self-reliance, initiatives like the ‘Make in India’ campaign serve as beacons of progress, heralding a new era of indigenous innovation and excellence in the maritime sector.