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Context

• Recently, ‘Mahabali’ was launched by Cmde Sunil Kaushik.

Mahabali

About

• ‘Mahabali’ is 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug.
• This Tug is the proud flag bearer of the “Make in India” initiative of the Ministry of Defence.

Bollard pull is the most commonly used measure of ship-assist tugs performance which have propellers optimized for maximum thrust at close to zero speed. Ships requiring high bollard pull can be fitted with a nozzle, which increases thrust by up to 20-40% compared to open propellers.

Construction

• These Tugs are built under the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

Working

• The Tugs will also provide afloat firefighting assistance to ships alongside, and at anchorage, and will have the capability to conduct limited Search and Rescue Operations.

Significance

• The availability of Tugs will provide impetus to the Operational commitments of IN by facilitating assistance to Naval ships and submarines during berthing and un-berthing, turning, and manoeuvring in confined waters.

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