The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has approved the completion of the procurement of two 80 tonne bollard pull tugs on charter basis for operations at Colombo Port and has also initiated a new procurement process for two 70 tonne bollard pull twin azimut sterns. To open in mid-2025, the port tug will require a new set of terminals.
The overall procurement cost rose after the Sri Lanka Ports Authority prematurely halted the procurement of an 80-ton tug due to cost issues arising from the implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act on January 1, 2024.

International competitive bids were invited in 2022 for the purchase of an 80-tonne single bollard pull tug, and four bids were received. The procurement committee recommended awarding the contract to the lowest responsive bidder. However, negotiations with the supplier to secure the vessel on credit failed, leading to the suspension of the process.

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority then invited tenders for chartering two such vessels and three proposals were received but negotiations to obtain a price reduction with the lowest responsive bidder failed.