KMEW Acquires ~15 Acres of Waterfront Land in Palghar for Tech-Driven, Eco-Friendly Shipyard
Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited announced the acquisition of ~15 acres of prime waterfront land at Saphale, Palghar, Maharashtra, with a 5-acre expansion option, through its wholly owned subsidiary Knowledge Shipyard Private Limited. The site along the Vaitarna River offers ~188m waterfront access and a natural slipway with ~6m high-tide draft, and is planned as a fully integrated, digitally enabled shipyard with phased expansion across three phases — from workboats and tugs to large-scale vessels — aligned with Government of India initiatives including Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal 2047.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
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:
| Parameter: | Details |
|---|---|
| Land Area: | ~15 acres (with additional 5-acre expansion option) |
| Location: | Saphale, Palghar, Maharashtra |
| Waterfront Access: | ~188m |
| Natural Slipway Draft: | ~6m (high-tide) |
| Proximity: | Near upcoming Vadhvan Port, along Vaitarna River |
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:
| Policy Initiative: | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP): | Financial support for shipbuilding |
| Green Tug Transition Programme: | Eco-friendly vessel transition |
| Maritime India Vision 2030: | National maritime growth framework |
| Amrit Kaal 2047: | Long-term national development vision |
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.
Historical Stock Returns for Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +7.79% | +24.24% | +38.40% | +57.46% | +208.45% | +107.90% |
How will the operationalization of Vadhvan Port impact KMEW's shipyard utilization rates and order book growth over the next 3-5 years?
What is the estimated capital expenditure required across all three phases of the shipyard development, and how does KMEW plan to fund this expansion?
Could KMEW's shipyard attract export orders from international clients, and which vessel segments or geographies represent the most viable near-term opportunities?



























