New Delhi, Dec 27 (Reporter) Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) on Friday said it has placed an order for eight tugs worth Rs 450 crore with state-run Cochin Shipyard. "This initiative aligns with the government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives by boosting local manufacturing and enhancing self-reliance in the maritime sector," APSEZ said in a statement. As per the private port operator, the delivery of the tugships is expected to begin in December 2026 and continue until May 2028. “This collaboration to procure from Cochin Shipyard Ltd signifies our commitment to enhancing maritime infrastructure in India and demonstrates our confidence in our nation's PSUs (public sector undertakings). By leveraging local manufacturing capabilities, which are world-class, we aim to contribute to the ‘Make in India’ initiative while ensuring that our operations meet international standards of safety and efficiency,” said Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director & CEO of APSEZ. Previously, APSEZ contracted the construction of two 62-tonne bollard pull ASD (Azimuthing Stern Drive) tugs to Cochin Shipyard Ltd for Ocean Sparkle Ltd, both of which were delivered ahead of schedule and deployed at Paradeep Port and New Mangalore Port. The construction of three additional ASD tugs is currently underway, bringing the total order to 13 tugs...////...