HSL Begins Steel-Cutting for 60T Tug for VPA

HSL marked a milestone with the steel-cutting ceremony of a 60T Bollard Pull Tug for VPA, when Dr. M. Angamuthu, IAS, Chairman VPA, pressed the button of the CNC Plasma Cutting Machine at HSL Hull Shop. The event was attended by senior officials of VPA, HSL, Staff and Workmen, reflecting the strong and long-standing partnership between the two organisations. Cmde Hemant Khatri, IN (Retd), CMD of HSL, expressed gratitude to VPA for its continued trust since the delivery of first vessel, Launch Shanti, in 1970 and ten more thereafter. He emphasized HSL’s transformation from negative to positive networth after 40 years and its progress towards achieving Mini Ratna status. He also highlighted the vital roles being played by both VPA and HSL in Visakhapatnam’s maritime growth. He shared HSL’s future vision, including the development of next-generation Green Tugs (Electric and Hydrogen-powered) aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Dr. Angamuthu, IAS, Chairman, VPA, congratulated HSL on its turnaround, healthy work culture, and ethical practices. He emphasized the importance of the tug for port operations, especially as VPA targets 90 MMT of cargo this year and over 100 MMT within two years. He stressed the need for more tugs and expressed interest in further collaboration with HSL. He also highlighted the national shift towards shipbuilding and ship repair, with HSL playing a central role in developing Vizag as a maritime hub. He reinforced the shared vision of VPA and HSL to promote Self-Reliance, Innovation and Maritime development, contributing to Swarna Andhra and Viksit Bharat.