Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited has scheduled an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting on July 19, 2026, to seek shareholder approval for the preferential allotment of 7,64,317 equity shares to non-promoter investors, aggregating to ₹149,99,95,042.01. The board, meeting on June 26, 2026, set the issue price at ₹1,962.53 per share, including a premium of ₹1,957.53. The funds are raised through private placement to four investors, including 360 One Pipe Fund and Bank of India funds, subject to shareholder approval.

The company has engaged MUFG Intime India Private Limited to provide remote e-voting facilities, commencing on July 15, 2026, and ending on July 18, 2026. CARE Ratings Limited was appointed as the monitoring agency for the transaction. The allotment will increase the shareholding of the four non-promoter investors to 3.01% of the post-issue equity capital.

Concurrently, the board allotted 1,55,892 equity shares to Mr. Sujay Kewalramani of the Promoter Group upon conversion of warrants. The shares, of face value ₹5 each, were fully paid-up at an exercise price of ₹1,425 per warrant. This conversion increased the paid-up equity share capital from 2,44,44,108 shares to 2,46,00,000 shares, factoring in a sub-division of equity shares executed in December 2025.

The preferential allotment to non-promoters and the warrant conversion are pursuant to SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirement) Regulations, 2018, and the Companies Act, 2013. The equity shares allotted via warrant conversion rank pari-passu with existing shares, including dividend rights.

The filing was submitted to BSE Limited and The National Stock Exchange of India Limited in compliance with SEBI Listing Regulations.

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works has set its sights on a topline of ₹1,000 crore in the coming years, underpinned by a ₹3,000 crore bid pipeline and full fleet utilization. The company, engaged in dredging, charter hire, and shipbuilding, shared its strategic outlook during an investor meet organized by Hem Securities Ltd. on June 19, 2026. Management emphasized the government's focus on maritime infrastructure as a key driver for future opportunities.

Business Verticals and Industry Outlook

The company operates through three primary business verticals: dredging services, charter hire, and shipbuilding. Management highlighted that the Indian dredging industry is expected to grow at approximately 8.4% CAGR, with capital dredging demand projected to rise significantly by 2030. To capitalize on this, KMEW is focusing on green maritime initiatives, having secured two Green Tug contracts. Each Green Tug costs approximately ₹90 crore to construct, carries a 15-year contract tenure, and benefits from a 20% shipbuilding subsidy.

Order Book and Revenue Mix

KMEW's current order book stands strong across its segments. The company reported a total order book of approximately ₹1,633 crore, with charter hire contributing the largest share. Dredging accounts for 70% of the revenue mix, while shipbuilding contributes 21% and charter hire & ancillary services make up 7%. Management confirmed 100% utilization across dredging and charter hire assets, ensuring steady earnings visibility.

Expansion Plans and Capital Expenditure

Significant expansion is underway with the acquisition of 15 acres at Saphale (Palghar) near Vadhavan Port. The company plans a capital expenditure of approximately ₹300 crore across three phases over 2.5–3 years, with Phase-I expected to be operational next year. This facility will support Green Tug construction and future shipbuilding orders. For FY27, KMEW plans to acquire bigger capacity Trailing Suction Hopper Dredgers, Cutter Suction Dredgers, and Green and Conventional Tugs.

Funding and Growth Enablers

To finance this fleet expansion and larger dredger acquisitions, the company is evaluating an additional fund raise of ₹150–200 crore, following a previous ₹285 crore preferential allotment. The bid pipeline, estimated at ₹3,000 crore, includes projects expected from the Inland Waterways Authority of India and Dredging Corporation of India Limited. Management remains optimistic, citing Maritime Vision 2047 and inland waterway development as key enablers for sustained growth toward its ₹1,000 crore topline ambition.