Indian Navy launches sixth 25-ton Bollard Pull Tug Sabal at TRSL Shipyard in Kolkata

In a boost to India’s maritime capabilities and indigenous shipbuilding efforts, the sixth 25-Ton Bollard Pull (BP) Tug Sabal was ceremonially launched at M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata. The event was graced by Commodore S Sreekumar, Warship Production Superintendent (WPS), Kolkata, who attended as the Chief Guest.

The launch marks the final vessel in a series of six 25T BP Tugs being built under a contract awarded to TRSL on 12 November 2021. These vessels are a testament to India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production and align closely with the Government of India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Indigenously designed and constructed in compliance with the Naval Rules and Regulations set by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), the tugs are engineered to perform critical support functions within naval bases. The first four tugs from the series have already been delivered and are actively supporting the Indian Navy in berthing, unberthing, and manoeuvring operations involving ships and submarines in confined waters.

In addition to towing and manoeuvring, these tugs are equipped for afloat firefighting operations and can undertake limited search and rescue missions, significantly enhancing the Navy’s operational flexibility and emergency response capabilities.

The successful execution of this contract by TRSL underscores the growing competence of Indian shipyards in meeting the specialised needs of the armed forces while reinforcing the strategic vision of building a robust, self-reliant defence industrial base in the country.