Adani Ports Orders Eight Harbor Tugs from Cochin Shipyard

The Indian government’s push to boost domestic shipbuilding has received a significant endorsement from the private sector. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) recently placed an order for eight 70-ton bollard pull harbor tugs at Kerala’s Cochin Shipyard. This marks one of APSEZ’s largest orders in an Indian shipyard, with an estimated contract value of $52 million. Delivery is scheduled to commence in December 2026 and continue until May 2028.

With this latest order, APSEZ’s fleet will expand to 152 tugs. Previously, the company had commissioned the construction of two 62-ton bollard pull ASD tugs for its subsidiary Ocean Sparkle Ltd., both of which are now operational at Paradeep Port and New Mangalore Port. Additionally, APSEZ has placed an order for three more ASD tugs, currently under construction at the Udupi Cochin Shipyard (UCSL).

These new tugs are expected to enhance the efficiency and safety of vessel operations in Indian ports. APSEZ CEO Ashwani Gupta emphasized the company’s commitment to bolstering maritime infrastructure in India by collaborating with Cochin Shipyard. He highlighted the confidence in India’s government-owned corporations (PSUs) and the utilization of local manufacturing capabilities to support the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Meanwhile, Adani Group is gearing up for substantial port investments in India. APSEZ recently announced a $1.2 billion investment to expedite the completion of India’s transshipment port, Vizhinjam, located in Kerala. The first phase of the port commenced operations in July, and APSEZ aims to finish the second phase by 2028, well ahead of the original 2045 deadline. Upon completion, Vizhinjam Port will have a capacity of three million TEUs.

Despite these developments, Adani Group has faced scrutiny following allegations against founder Gautam Adani. U.S. prosecutors have levied criminal charges, accusing Adani of offering approximately $265 million in bribes to Indian officials to secure contracts for India’s largest solar project.