Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 7: In the Port User meeting chaired by the Secretary (Shipping) on Oct. 17, 2024, it was informed that non availability of Tug with Port Management Board (PMB) is a matter of concern and needs to be addressed on priority. The Secretary (Shipping) had assured to the Port users that the A&N Administration is committed and will make all out effort to make the Tug M T Andaman of PMB operational. The situation was reviewed and the estimated time for repair and supply of some critical spares was quoted by the CSL as 240 days.
However, under the leadership of Secretary (Shipping) and the Department’s ingenious approach made it possible to make the Tug functional within 45 days. Persistent efforts made by PMB and DSS officials in close coordination with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) team and constant persuasion and guidance of the Secretary (Shipping) had reaped results and the Tug M T Andaman which had been non-operational since December, 2022 was made operational and subjected to Basin Trials. During the Basin Trials, the Tug was able to achieve its desired efficiency and Tugging Operations of M V Campbell Bay berthed at Hope Town Jetty was also undertaken, which was witnessed by the Secretary (Shipping) on board the vessel.
The Tug will be subjected to further trials, so as to ensure that any other operational issues could be attended and restored. Thereafter, the Tug M T Andaman will immediately be put into service for Port Operations in Sri Vijaya Puram Port and parallel action to bring the vessel under class will also be initiated. Once, the vessel is brought under class, then the Tug could be made available at any notified Port of A&N Islands for facilitating Port operations.