Further enhancing the nation’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, the Indian Navy, in a ceremony held at the shipbuilding facilities of Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) in Kolkata, successfully launched its sixth 25-ton Bollard Pull (BP) Tug ‘SABAL’ (Yard 340). The Bollard Pull tug is expected to aid maritime logistics support, and with berthing, unberthing, and maneuvering Naval ships and submarines in confined waters.
The ceremony was presided over by Commodore S. Sreekumar, Warship Production Superintendent (WPS), Kolkata, as the Chief Guest. The event is a culmination of a critical naval auxiliary vessel construction plan, thus reinforcing India’s commitment to enhancing maritime self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and the Make in India initiative. The induction of the latest Bollard Pull tug will help the Navy take another step towards modernization its logistics and operational infrastructure.
How Critical Are 25T Bollard Pull Tugs to the Navy’s Regional Maritime Security Strategy?
The recently introduced SABAL is the final vessel in a series of six 25T Bollard Pull tugs commissioned under a contract signed with TRSL on 12 November 2021. Each tug has been domestically designed and constructed in compliance with the Naval Construction Rules and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) regulations. These tugs are tailored to perform specialized harbor support roles, such as towing operations, berthing and unberthing of naval vessels and submarines, and maneuvering in confined water.
These 25T Bollard Pull tugs will also form a vital component of port operations at naval bases across the country. They not only enhance fleet mobility but also reduce turnaround time for larger vessels. Furthermore, they increase the Navy’s ability to conduct underway replenishment and emergency response, particularly in restricted waterways.
The Multifaceted Operational Capabilities Of The 25T Bollard Pull Tug, ‘SABAL’
The great news about SABAL, apart from traditional towing functions, is that it is equipped with:
- Afloat Fire-Fighting Systems (AFFS): The tugs are equipped with critical Afloat fire-fighting systems (AFFS) that are crucial for safety on ships and other vessels. They are capable of combating onboard and dockside fires, supporting both military and civilian maritime assets, using various methods like water-based systems (sprinklers, standpipes), foam systems, and fixed gas suppression systems.
- Search and Rescue (SAR) Capability: The vessel is also capable of limited SAR operations in coastal zones, contributing to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts.
- Advanced Navigation and Communication Systems: The tugs also have advanced navigation and communication systems onboard to enhance operational safety and coordination with larger surface vessels and shore establishments.
Successful Construction Of The BP Tug Highlights The Domestic Shipbuilding Capabilities Of The Nation
The delivery of all six tugs, that too within the project timeline, reflects the growing efficiency and maturity of India’s private shipbuilding sector. TRSL, a leading rail system manufacturer, has significantly expanded its maritime portfolio, signaling a positive trend in the diversification of India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem.
This successful collaboration between the Indian Navy and TRSL aligns with the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, which emphasizes indigenous development and procurement of defense platforms. These initiatives support India’s long-term vision of reducing dependency on foreign suppliers and achieving autonomy in critical defense technologies. Furthermore, by positive reinforcement from the government, such as the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, this upward trend in domestic defense manufacturing is going to continue.
Strengthening Naval Infrastructure and Readiness
The inclusion of SABAL along with the other Bollard Pull tugs into the naval fleet underscores a significant capability enhancement in maritime logistics and coastal operations. These tugs are strategically deployed at major naval bases to support naval vessels like aircraft carriers, destroyers, and submarines, particularly during docking and maneuvering in constrained harbor environments. Furthermore, they are also likely to contribute to operational readiness during joint exercises, port visits, and fleet reviews, offering a high degree of maneuverability and safety.
