Indian Navy takes delivery of final tug in series

The Indian Navy took delivery of a new 50-tonne bollard pull tug from Hindustan Shipyard (HSL).

Balbir is the final one in a series of four ship assist tugs built by HSL for the navy. The tug will primarily be used to provide berthing/unberthing assistance for larger surface ships and submarines.

Secondary duties will include firefighting and limited search and rescue (SAR).

Design and construction of all four tugs in the series were in accordance to Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) rules to ensure a service life of 20 years.