Adani Ports strengthens maritime fleet with Rs 450cr ‘Make in India’ deal

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), a leader in India’s transport and logistics sector, has placed a ₹450 crore order for eight advanced harbour tugs with Cochin Shipyard Limited. This investment represents India’s largest tugboat procurement under the Make in India initiative and marks a significant step towards bolstering the country’s maritime infrastructure.

A Landmark Move for Maritime Infrastructure Development

The deal, aligned with the Indian government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, demonstrates APSEZ’s commitment to supporting local manufacturing and achieving self-reliance in the maritime sector. These tugs, each equipped with a 70-tonne bollard pull, will enhance safety and operational efficiency at Indian ports, elevating the company’s total tug fleet to 152 vessels.

The first delivery is scheduled for December 2026, with all eight tugs expected to be operational by May 2028. According to industry experts, this substantial fleet expansion will reinforce Adani Ports’ position as a leader in maritime operations while contributing to the nation’s economic growth.

Commitment to Local Manufacturing Excellence

APSEZ’s CEO, Ashwani Gupta, stated that this collaboration with Cochin Shipyard reflects confidence in India’s public sector undertakings and their ability to deliver world-class maritime solutions. Gupta emphasised that the initiative aligns with APSEZ’s mission to modernise its operations while maintaining adherence to international safety and performance standards.

This move is part of a broader strategy to replace aging assets with younger, more efficient vessels. It builds upon APSEZ’s previous successes with Cochin Shipyard, including the timely delivery of two 62-tonne bollard pull ASD (Azimuth Stern Drive) tugs deployed at Paradeep and New Mangalore ports. Currently, three additional ASD tugs are under construction, underscoring APSEZ’s focus on sustainable growth in maritime infrastructure development.

Strategic Investments in Sustainability and Efficiency

Industry analysts have noted that APSEZ’s investments in modernising its fleet are not only crucial for operational efficiency but also reflect the increasing importance of sustainability in the maritime sector. By prioritising local production, this initiative strengthens India’s shipbuilding capabilities while fostering technological innovation.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, as part of the globally diversified Adani Group, has consistently demonstrated its ability to integrate sustainability into its business model. The company’s vast network of ports, terminals, and logistics capabilities handles 27% of India’s total port volumes, cementing its pivotal role in both national and global supply chains.

Adani Ports’ Vision for Global Maritime Leadership

APSEZ’s ambition to become the world’s leading ports and logistics platform within the next decade is evident through its strategic expansion. In addition to its 15 domestic ports and terminals, the company has expanded its international footprint with projects such as the transshipment port in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and operations at Haifa Port in Israel and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

This ₹450 crore tugboat investment strengthens the company’s ability to manage high cargo volumes efficiently while supporting India’s goal of becoming a global manufacturing and export hub.