Tug boats

Why is in news? Launch of 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, ‘Mahabali’ on 28 Oct 23 at M/s Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd, Bharuch, Gujarat.

25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, ‘Mahabali’ was launched on 28 Oct 23 at M/s Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd, Bharuch, Gujarat. This Tug is proud flag bearer of “Make in India” initiative of Ministry of Defence.

Contract for construction and delivery of three 25T BP Tug was concluded with M/s Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd (SSPL), an MSME, in consonance with “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative of the Government of India.

These Tugs are built under the classification rules of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

The availability of Tugs will provide impetus to Operational commitments of Indian Navy by facilitating assistance to Naval ships and submarines during berthing and un-berthing, turning and manoeuvring in confined waters.

About:

A tugboat or tug is a marine vessel that manoeuvres other vessels by pushing or pulling them, with direct contact or a tow line.

These boats typically tug ships in circumstances where they cannot or should not move under their own power, such as in crowded harbours or narrow canals, or cannot move at all, such as barges, disabled ships, log rafts, or oil platforms.

Some are ocean-going, and some are icebreakers or salvage tugs.

Early models were powered by steam engines, which were later superseded by diesel engines.

The Tugs will also provide afloat firefighting assistance to ships alongside, and at anchorage, and will have capability to conduct limited Search and Rescue Operations.