The 25t Bollard Pull (BP) tugboat Mahabali has been handed over to the Indian Navy on 02 February 2024 in the presence of Rear Admiral Subir Mukherjee, NM, ASY (Kochi). This multipurpose boat is the proud flag bearer of the “Make in India” initiative of the Government of India. In line with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative of the Government of India, a contract was signed with M/s Shaft Shipyard Private Limited (M/S SSPL), a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise, for construction of three 25T Bollard Pull Tug boats and handing over to the Navy. These special purpose boats are being constructed as per the classification rules of the Indian Shipping Register (IRS).
The availability of these boats will accelerate the operational commitments of the Indian Navy by providing support and other facilities to naval ships and submarines as per requirement in berthing and un-berthing, diversions and in shallow waters. These boats will also provide fire fighting support to ships at berth and also have the capability to conduct search and rescue operations.