Bhim Class

INS Bhim - the first vessel in the series of harbour utility tugs for the Indian Navy. Image © Tebma Shipyard

Vessel Type: Harbour Utility Tug.

Name with commission dates:
Bhim (08 March 2004)
Balshil (23 August 2004)
?? (2004)
?? (2004)
Ajral (17 December 2004)

Displacement: Not Known.

Main Machinery: Features a pair of V-12 cylinder Cummins KTA38M2 main engines each developing 1200 HP continuous duty at 1800 RPM. The vessel is fitted with stainless steel propellers and also features Aquamaster US1201 Z-drives with 1800mm diameter nozzles.

Dimensions: Length - 28.5 metres.
.................Beam - 9.5 metres.
.................Draft - 2.8 metres.

Electrical Power: One pair of 100 kva, 415V, 3 Phase, 50 Hz diesel powered generator sets.

Maximum Speed: 12 knots.

Maximum Range: Not Known.

Complement: 13 personnel.

Cargo Capacity: 25 tons of fuel.
......................12 tons of water.
......................2 tons of lube oil.

Weapons: None.

Comments: Built by Tebma Shipyard in Chennai, these harbour tugs are part of a five vessel order being built for the Indian Navy. They feature a 25-ton bollard-pull swivelable rudder propulsion (SRP) system and greater manoeuvrability. Bhim achieved a 26.8-ton bollard pull against a 25-ton designed bollard pull. Bhim and Ajral serve with the Eastern Fleet at Vizag and Balshil serves with the Southern Fleet at Kochi. These vessels are expected to increase the capability of the Naval Ship Repair Yards, by berthing bigger vessels of the Indian Navy for routine maintenance and mid-life refits.