The Indian Navy officially inducted Ojas, the fifth 25 tonne Bollard Pull (BP) tug (Yard 339), into service during a ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. The event was graced by Commodore Chetan Kumar Singh, GM (Tech), Naval Dockyard (Visakhapatnam), who presided as the chief guest.
This agile tugboat was procured under a November 12, 2021, contract with Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata, to build six such tugs. All vessels, including Ojas, have been design‑to‑build domestic productions, adhering to Indian Register of Shipping standards. Ojas is tasked with pivotal roles in assisting naval ships and submarines during berthing, un-berthing, and maneuvers in confined harbours. Additionally, it enhances operational safety with afloat firefighting capabilities and limited search-and-rescue support.
The induction underscores the Government of India’s dual initiatives—Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat—by emphasizing robust indigenous shipbuilding and self-reliance in naval infrastructure.