Mahabali Tug

About Mahabali Tug

• It is a 25-ton Bollard Pull (BP) Tug.
• This vessel, a creation of Shoft Shipyard located in Bharuch, Gujarat, is one of three such tugs commissioned as part of a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Defence and the Shipyard.
• It has been constructed in accordance with the classification rules set forth by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
• It will assume a crucial role in aiding naval ships and submarines during berthing and unberthing operations, as well as in navigating through confined waters.
• It is equipped to enhance firefighting capabilities for ships both alongside and at anchorage.
• It is also outfitted for limited Search and Rescue Operations.

Key Facts about Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)

• Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) is an international ship classification society providing ship classification and certification as well as technical inspection services.
• The not for profit entity was founded in 1975.
• It is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), which represents classification societies worldwide.
• IRClass Systems and Solutions Pvt Ltd. (ISSPL) is an organization promoted by the IRS and was set up in 2014.
• The two companies, IRS and ISSPL, form the brand IRCLASS, which provides survey, inspection, and certification services to the maritime and industrial sectors.
• IRCLASS is committed to promoting safe and environmentally friendly engineering practices through its services to the business community.

Q1) What is the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)?

The International Association of Classification Societies, more commonly known as the IACS, was founded in 1968 by seven leading classification societies (ABS, BV, DNV, GL, LR, NK, RINA) in order to promote the improvement of standards for ensuring safety at sea and the prevention of pollution of the marine environment, promote communication and cooperation with relevant international and national maritime organizations, and allow for enhanced cooperation with the global maritime industry. Including ClassNK, IACS currently has a total of 11 member societies, and at present more than 90% of the world’s international commercial fleet (gross tonnage base) is registered under IACS member societies.

Source: LAUNCH OF 25T BOLLARD PULL TUG ‘MAHABALI’ AT M/s SHOFT SHIPYARD PVT LTD, BHARUCH, GUJARAT