Indian yard launches vessel duo destined for work at offshore oil fields

Ship classification society Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has confirmed the launch of two vessels at the San Marine yard in Kakinada.

The 34-meter-long sister tugs, Sonalika and Sarovar, are said to be part of a four-vessel contract. According to IRS, the vessel pair boasts cutting-edge features and technologies, in compliance with global maritime standards. As both are destined for Indian offshore oil fields, their design is described as meeting the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance. 

Saikat Roychowdhury, Operation in-Charge – East Coast of Indian Sub-Continent at IRS, remarked: “Tugs play a critical role in the maritime ecosystem and IRS continues to work with all Indian shipyards big and small. These vessels are the result of collaborative and diligent efforts, and we look forward to their continued success.”

IRS recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) for the development of autonomous and green energy vessels. Prior to that, it secured an order for providing classification services for six hybrid electric catamarans, as well as solar-electric boats.