Focus on timely delivery, VPA top brass tells HSL management

Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) Chairman Dr. Madhaiyaan Angamuthu has urged Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) management to focus on timely delivery of its orders and build trust by improving the quality workmanship.

He was speaking as HSL, which was granted Mini Ratna status for its magnificent efforts to achieve turnaround, laid the keel for the first 60 tonne bollard pull tug, indigenously designed and built by the defence public sector unit for VPAt.

A contract was also signed for construction of the second 60T bollard pull tug, further strengthening their long-standing partnership with the port here on Monday..

Aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the two 60-tonne bollard pull tugs will modernise the port’s fleet and support future growth. The 32.5 m long tug with a 60 tonne bollard pull, designed for demanding port operations, will enable

safer vessel handling, quicker turnaround and improved efficiency amid rising maritime traffic.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Angamuthu, who is also the Chairman of Mumbai Port Authority, said that time-bound delivery and quality workmanship build trust, and expressed confidence that collaboration with HSL will continue to strengthen both Visakhapatnam Port and the national maritime ecosystem. He added that with growing cargo volumes and ambitious future targets, such tugs and associated infrastructure are critical, and that cooperation with HSL will deepen in the years ahead.

Cmde Girideep Singh, Chairman & Managing Director, HSL, expressed deep gratitude to the VPA and technology partners, M/s Vedam and M/s Solas Marine, for their continued support and collaboration, stating that the twin milestones demonstrate HSL’s strong technical capability, delivery performance and robust project management systems, while reaffirming HSL’s commitment to timely delivery, quality, customer satisfaction and Make-in-India shipbuilding.

The event highlighted the enduring HSL–VPA's partnership, rooted in mutual trust, shared national objectives and a commitment to strengthening India’s maritime ecosystem through indigenous capability, MSME participation and skilled employment generation.