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.

Promoters of Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works sold a total of 5,12,820 equity shares through open market transactions on June 19, 2026. The sales were executed by Whole-time Director Kanak Kewalramani and Chief Operational Officer Dinesh Kewalramani. The transactions were disclosed to the stock exchanges on June 23, 2026, in compliance with the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011.

Details of Share Sale

The share sales reduced the promoters' total shareholding. Kanak Kewalramani divested 3,45,620 equity shares, while Dinesh Kewalramani sold 1,67,200 equity shares. The transaction was executed as an Open Market Sale – Bulk Deal on the BSE and NSE.

Post-Transaction Holdings

Following the disposal, the aggregate promoter holding decreased to 1,26,02,929 equity shares, representing 51.56% of the company's total share capital. Prior to the sale, the group held 53.66% of the shares. The total equity share capital of the company remains 2,44,44,108 shares of ₹5 each.