Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works reported a 59.5% year-on-year rise in consolidated net profit to ₹791.05 crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2026. Revenue from operations for the year increased 27.7% to ₹2,562.80 crore, driven by growth across its dredging and shipbuilding segments. The board approved the audited standalone and consolidated financial results at its meeting held on May 29, 2026. The statutory auditors, M/s L K J & Associates LLP, issued an unmodified opinion on the financial results.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, the company posted a consolidated net profit of ₹235 crore, compared to ₹105 crore in the same period last year. Revenue from operations for the quarter stood at ₹676 crore, up from ₹475 crore in the year-ago period. The board also appointed M/s M S K A & Associates LLP as the new statutory auditor for a term of five years, subject to shareholder approval.

The company submitted a corrigendum to the audited financial results, rectifying a classification error in the Statement of Cash Flows. An item pertaining to investing activities, specifically investment in fixed deposits, was inadvertently classified under 'Operating Activities' instead of 'Investing Activities'. Consequently, the Net cash flow from operating activities was incorrectly reported as negative. The rectification is purely classificatory and does not impact the audited consolidated and standalone financial results.

Quarterly Performance (Q4)

The following table summarises the key financial metrics for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared to the same period last year:

While revenue and net profit showed strong growth, the EBITDA margin contracted to 27.5% from 35.1% in the year-ago quarter, reflecting a rise in operating expenses relative to revenue.

Consolidated Financial Results (FY26)

The full-year consolidated financials reflect broad-based growth across key metrics, as detailed below:

The company's total assets for the year stood at ₹8,200.78 crore, a significant increase from ₹3,940.51 crore in the previous year. Cash and cash equivalents improved to ₹736.19 crore from ₹311.66 crore. The board also initiated a postal ballot process for the ratification of related party transactions and approval for increased limits on investments and loans under Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013.

Order Book and Operational Highlights

The company reported a total order book of ₹1,644.89 crore, with an unexecuted balance of ₹1,395.43 crore as of the investor presentation date. The order book is diversified across dredging, charter & hire, and shipbuilding segments.

Key operational highlights include the acquisition of 15 acres of land in Saphale for a shipyard facility near the upcoming Vadhavan Port and the early adoption of Tonnage Tax for direct PAT margin expansion. The company secured significant contracts during the year, including a 15-year charter for a 60 T Bollard Pull Green Tug from V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority valued at ₹367.09 crore and a similar 15-year contract from Vishakhapatnam Port Authority valued at ₹325.71 crore. Vessel utilization remained at 100% for the period.

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) has announced the acquisition of approximately 15 acres of prime waterfront land at Saphale, Palghar, Maharashtra, with an additional 5-acre expansion option. Executed through its wholly owned subsidiary, Knowledge Shipyard Private Limited, the acquisition marks a significant step in KMEW's expansion into technology-driven, sustainable shipbuilding. The company made this disclosure to stock exchanges on May 04, 2026, under Regulation 30.

Strategic Location and Site Advantages

The acquired site is situated along the Vaitarna River and in close proximity to the upcoming Vadhvan Port, offering strong multimodal connectivity and natural marine advantages. The following table summarises the key physical attributes of the site:

These inherent features are intended to position the facility as a high-efficiency hub for modern shipbuilding and repair operations, with robust river width enabling efficient vessel movement.

Integrated Shipyard Development Plan

KMEW is developing the site as a fully integrated, digitally enabled shipyard designed for precision, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Key infrastructure highlights include:

• Advanced production infrastructure: Hull fabrication, pipe, mechanical, and electrical workshops with streamlined workflows
• Smart utilities and automation readiness: Integrated power systems, material handling, and operational infrastructure
• Sustainability-first design: Sewage treatment systems, structured waste management, and optimised energy usage
• End-to-end capability: From vessel construction to repair and lifecycle support

The facility will also incorporate modern administrative and workforce infrastructure, including digitally enabled office and training spaces, on-site accommodation and amenities, and secure, efficient logistics and access systems.

Phased Expansion and Policy Alignment

CEO Mr. Sujay Kewalramani outlined a phased expansion roadmap for the shipyard, stating: "Our phased expansion — from specialized workboats and tugs in Phase I, to integrated repair facilities and floating dry docks in Phase II, and finally to large-scale vessels in Phase III — reflects a carefully sequenced journey of scale, innovation, and resilience."

The shipyard development is aligned with key Government of India policy initiatives supporting the maritime sector:

Management Commentary

Commenting on the acquisition, Mr. Sujay Kewalramani, CEO of Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd, said: "This shipyard land is not merely an acquisition; it is the dawn of a new maritime chapter for KMEW Group. With a strategically located waterfront near Vadhvan Port and a natural slipway that offers inherent operational excellence, we are laying the foundation for India's next great shipbuilding hub."

He further added: "We are building more than ships; we are building a self-sustaining maritime engine that will serve as a beacon of India's shipbuilding renaissance. Supported by India's amenities, advanced fabrication capacity, and a people-centric environment, this facility will deliver end-to-end solutions across the vessel lifecycle. Aligned with the Government of India's vision under Maritime India 2030 and Amrit Kaal 2047, our shipyard positions KMEW to contribute meaningfully to national self-reliance, green transition, and global competitiveness. We see this not only as an investment in infrastructure but as an investment in India's maritime destiny — a future where our shipyard stands as a gateway to innovation, sustainability, and leadership on the world stage."

This acquisition follows KMEW's recent entry into commercial shipbuilding and establishes a dedicated platform for scalable maritime infrastructure, positioning the company to address increasing demand for indigenous, sustainable maritime solutions.