MT Tuticorin commissioned

M T Tuticorin, a new tug built at a cost of Rs 25.64 crore was inducted in to service at Thoothukudi port, on Tuesday.

Chairman of Tuticorin Port Trust, NK Raghupathy inaugurated operations of the boat, at a function organised at the port. Speaking on the occasion, he said, ‘‘it is the first time that a tug vessel with capacity to haul in 40- tonne vessels has been added for operation under the Tuticorin Port Trust.’’

The tug, which should have been inducted into service this March, was delayed due to the tsunami and other factors, he added. Describing the unique feature of the tug vessel, he said, the two other tugs existing with the port have the capacity to pull cargo vessels 265 metres long, while the new tug vessel can pull cargo vessels up to 300 metres in length.

He further said that the tug was equipped with fire fighting devices and special machines and that it could also be used as in rescue operations at sea.

Among its other features, the tug been fitted out with a Voith Schneider Propulsion (VST) system that allows greater maneuverability in all directions, he said.

The tug was designed by TEBMA Shipyards limited and her ‘vital statistics’ include: Pollard Pull-45 ton, Max Speed-12 knots, Length-32 metre, Breath-10.65 metre, Depth-4.7 metre and Draught-5.3 metre A demonstration of the fire fighting ability of the tug was demonstrated following the commissioning of the vessel.

Source: New Indian Express