The Indian Navy marked a significant milestone with the launch of its sixth 25-tonne Bollard Pull (BP) tug, Sabal (Yard 340), at Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) in Kolkata. The ceremony was graced by Commodore S. Sreekumar, Warship Production Superintendent (WPS), Kolkata, who served as the Chief Guest.
This launch concludes the series of six tugs commissioned under a contract signed on November 12, 2021, between the Ministry of Defence and TRSL. Designed and built indigenously in accordance with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) naval rules, these tugs exemplify India’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
The 25T BP tugs are engineered to assist naval ships and submarines during berthing, un-berthing, and maneuvering in confined waters. Beyond these primary functions, they are equipped to provide afloat firefighting support and conduct limited search and rescue operations, enhancing the Navy’s operational capabilities.
The successful delivery of all six tugs underscores the Indian Navy’s focus on strengthening its auxiliary fleet with domestically produced assets, reinforcing maritime support infrastructure and operational readiness.