Udupi Cochin Shipyard (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard, launched the first of three 70-tonne bollard pull tugs for Ocean Sparkle, a subsidiary of Adani Ports & SEZ.

The launch event, held in Udupi, was officiated by MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, who praised the shipyard's role in supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The tug, designed by Canadian firm Robert Allan, measures 33 mtrs. in length and is powered by two 1,838 kW engines with 2.7 m Niigata IHI propellers. UCSL is building eight more tugs for Ocean Sparkle and has previously delivered multiple vessels, including two 70-tonne tugs for Polestar Maritime in 2024.

The shipyard is also constructing general and dry cargo vessels for Norway-based Wilson ASA, with two already delivered. Additionally, a 70-tonne tug for Polestar is under construction. These efforts align with the Union government’s Approved Standard Tug Design and Specifications (ASTDS) to promote indigenous shipbuilding.