In a significant development for India’s defence export sector, the Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited has entered into an agreement with the Bangladesh Navy to construct an 800-ton advanced Ocean-Going Tug.

This contract was signed ahead of the visit of Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi to Bangladesh, marking a pivotal moment in the defence relations between the two neighbouring countries, reports Financial Express of India.

Indian High Commission in Dhaka highlighted the importance of this agreement through a social media post, emphasizing the strategic collaboration. “Bangladesh Navy signed a contract for ‘Made in India’ 800 tons Ocean Going Tug with India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilding & Engineers. The signing coincides with the visit of India’s CNS Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi to Bangladesh,” the post read.

The Ocean-Going Tug, which will be constructed by GRSE, boasts impressive specifications. It will have an overall length (LOA) of nearly 61 meters, a width of about 15.80 meters, and a depth of nearly 6.80 meters. The tug’s draught requirement with a full load will be approximately 4.80 meters, and it will have a bollard pull capacity of 76 tons ahead and 50 tons astern. The maximum speed of the vessel, with a full load, will be at least 13 knots.

This advanced vessel is designed to perform multiple critical functions. Its primary roles include towing ships at sea, both alongside and astern, assisting in berthing and casting off, and aiding in turning through pushing and pulling. Additionally, the tug will be equipped to carry out rescue and salvage operations at sea, provide firefighting support to ships, and implement limited pollution control measures.

GRSE highlighted the robustness of the platform, noting its ability to operate even at sea state 5, which entails wind speeds of 17-21 knots and wave heights of 2-3 meters. The tug will also feature a dynamic positioning-2 system, an advanced computer-controlled system that allows the vessel to maintain its heading and position without the need for mooring lines or anchors.