India and Bangladesh strengthen naval ties with advanced Ocean-Going Tug agreement
The maximum speed of the vessel, with a full load, will be at least 13 knots. (Image: X)
In a significant development for India’s defence export sector, the Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited has entered into an agreement with the Bangladesh Navy to construct an 800-ton advanced Ocean-Going Tug. This contract was signed ahead of the visit of Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi to Bangladesh, marking a pivotal moment in the defence relations between the two neighbouring countries.
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka highlighted the importance of this agreement through a social media post, emphasizing the strategic collaboration. “Bangladesh Navy signed a contract for ‘Made in India’ 800 tons Ocean Going Tug with India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilding & Engineers. The signing coincides with the visit of India’s CNS Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi to Bangladesh,” the post read.
Specifications and capabilities of the Tug
The Ocean-Going Tug, which will be constructed by GRSE, boasts impressive specifications. It will have an overall length (LOA) of nearly 61 meters, a width of about 15.80 meters, and a depth of nearly 6.80 meters. The tug’s draught requirement with a full load will be approximately 4.80 meters, and it will have a bollard pull capacity of 76 tons ahead and 50 tons astern. The maximum speed of the vessel, with a full load, will be at least 13 knots.
Primary roles and functionalities
This advanced vessel is designed to perform multiple critical functions. Its primary roles include towing ships at sea, both alongside and astern, assisting in berthing and casting off, and aiding in turning through pushing and pulling. Additionally, the tug will be equipped to carry out rescue and salvage operations at sea, provide firefighting support to ships, and implement limited pollution control measures.
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GRSE highlighted the robustness of the platform, noting its ability to operate even at sea state 5, which entails wind speeds of 17-21 knots and wave heights of 2-3 meters. The tug will also feature a dynamic positioning-2 system, an advanced computer-controlled system that allows the vessel to maintain its heading and position without the need for mooring lines or anchors.
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi’s visit to Bangladesh
The navy chief’s visit to Bangladesh, spanning four days, aims to consolidate bilateral defence relations and explore new avenues for naval cooperation. This visit is particularly significant against the backdrop of China’s growing defence ties with Bangladesh, including constructing a dry naval dock for submarines and warships.
During his visit, Admiral Tripathi is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, as well as with the Chiefs of the Bangladesh Army and Air Force, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, and senior leaders of the Bangladesh Government. These discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation and strengthening the longstanding maritime ties between the two nations.
Strengthening bilateral Naval relations
The naval cooperation between India and Bangladesh has historically been robust, encompassing operational interactions, bilateral naval exercises, capacity-building programs, and training initiatives. Admiral Tripathi’s visit underscores the commitment to furthering these strong bonds and expanding collaborative efforts.
A significant highlight of the visit is the arrival of INS Ranvir, a key vessel of the Eastern Naval Command fleet, at Chattogram. This marks the beginning of a series of professional interactions between personnel from the Indian and Bangladesh navies, including Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), cross-deck visits, community outreach, and friendly sports fixtures. These activities aim to enhance mutual cooperation and strengthen maritime linkages.
Following the harbour phase, INS Ranvir will participate in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with ships of the Bangladesh Navy, showcasing the collaborative spirit and operational synergy between the two navies.
Broader context of India-Bangladesh defence cooperation
The visit of Admiral Tripathi comes shortly after the visit of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India, during which both sides pledged to expand defence and strategic ties. This visit also aligns with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the broader vision of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR). The agreements signed during Prime Minister Hasina’s visit cover various sectors, including maritime security, ocean economy, space, and telecommunications, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of India-Bangladesh cooperation.
Future prospects and strategic importance
As India and Bangladesh continue to enhance their defence relationship, the signing of the Ocean-Going Tug contract with GRSE is a testament to the growing strategic partnership. The visit of Admiral Tripathi is expected to further solidify bilateral efforts and contribute to regional security and growth. By working together, the two navies can address shared challenges and set an example of effective cooperative efforts in the Indian Ocean region.
This partnership, bolstered by historical ties and mutual interests, highlights the positive trajectory of India-Bangladesh naval relations and underscores the potential for continued collaboration in the future.