MADURAI: The VOC Port Authority, Thoothukudi, has welcomed the maiden call of the newly inducted tug ‘MT Ocean Alliance’, in the presence of Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of VOC Port Authority and Rajesh Soundararajan, Deputy Chairperson, along with senior port officers.
The new Indian-built tug, constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Udupi, delivered in December 2025, boasts a Bollard Pull (BP) capacity of 60 tonnes and a Gross Tonnage of 498 GT.
Designed in compliance with Approved Standard Tug Designs and Specifications (ASTDS), this induction aligns with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliance in maritime infrastructure, a statement said.
The tug has been contracted to Ocean Sparkle Limited, Gujarat, and will be hired by the VOC Port Authority for a period of seven years.
With this addition, the port’s tug fleet now comprises four tugs — one Port-owned with 45T BP, two hired with 50T BP, and the newly inducted 60T BP tug — ensuring smooth and safe shipping operations. Speaking on the occasion, Susanta Kumar Purohit stated that the induction of ‘MT Ocean Alliance’ will significantly enhance operational efficiency, ensure safe berthing and unberthing of large vessels and reduce vessel turnaround time.
This is a major step towards strengthening port capabilities and supporting India’s maritime growth. It is noteworthy that VOC Port has also placed orders for a new 60T BP Green Tug under the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP), furthering its commitment to sustainability and innovation.