Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) has made significant strides in expanding its operations and modernizing its fleet, as revealed during the India Maritime Week 2025 held in Mumbai from October 27-31, 2025.

Major Developments

1. MOU Signings: DCIL entered into 22 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with 16 organizations, totaling Rs. 17,645 crore in value.

2. Modernization Initiative: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a Rs. 4,000 crore investment for DCIL's modernization, including the construction of 11 new dredgers and fleet upgradation.

Key MOU Details

Modernization Plan Highlights

• Investment: Rs. 4,000 crore
• New Dredgers: Construction of 11 new dredgers
• Focus Areas:
  • Fleet modernization and capacity enhancement
  • Construction of new dredgers in Indian shipyards
  • Adoption of digital, automation, and green dredging technologies
  • Skill development and upskilling of technical manpower

Current Capacity and Future Outlook

• Existing Fleet: 10 Trailer Suction Hopper Dredgers (TSHDs)
• Combined Hopper Capacity: Approximately 60,000 cubic meters
• Annual Dredging Capacity: 50-60 million cubic meters
• Market Share: 55% of India's total dredging requirement (110-120 million cubic meters per year)

Dr. M. Angamuthu, IAS, Chairman of DCIL, expressed gratitude for the government's support, stating that this initiative will transform India's dredging landscape and position DCIL as a globally competitive enterprise.

Capt. S. Divakar, Managing Director & CEO (A/C) of DCIL, emphasized that the modernization roadmap will empower DCIL to execute complex dredging and reclamation projects with world-class precision.

These developments align with the government's Maritime India Vision 2030 and Atmanirbhar Bharat 2047 goals, reinforcing India's position in the maritime and blue economy sectors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a significant ₹4,000 crore investment for the modernization of Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) during the inauguration of India Maritime Week 2025. This initiative marks a pivotal moment for DCIL, which operates under a consortium of four major ports: Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Deendayal Port Authorities.

Modernization Roadmap

The comprehensive modernization plan focuses on several key areas:

1. Fleet Expansion: Procurement of 11 new dredgers, including Trailer Suction Hopper Dredgers (TSHDs), Cutter Suction Dredger, water injection dredger, and beaver dredgers.
2. Make in India Initiative: Construction of new dredgers in Indian shipyards, promoting domestic manufacturing.
3. Technological Advancements: Adoption of digital and green dredging technologies for sustainable operations.
4. Skill Development: Upskilling of technical manpower to meet global standards.

Current Capacity and Future Goals

DCIL's existing fleet consists of 10 TSHDs with a combined hopper capacity of approximately 60,000 cubic meters. This allows the company to handle about 50-60 million cubic meters of dredging annually, accounting for nearly 55% of India's total dredging requirement.

Investment Breakdown

The ₹4,000 crore investment will be allocated as follows:

Progress and Timeline

DCIL has already made strides in its modernization efforts:

• An order for one 12,000 CuM TSHD, named DCI DREDGE GODAVARI, was placed in March 2022.
• The vessel was launched on October 18, 2025, with delivery expected in July 2026.
• Plans are in place to order another 12,000 CuM TSHD in the coming months.

Strategic Importance

Dr. M. Angamuthu, IAS, Chairman of DCIL and Chairperson of Visakhapatnam Port Authority and Mumbai Port, emphasized the transformative nature of this initiative. He stated that it would position DCIL as a technologically advanced, globally competitive enterprise.

Capt. S. Divakar, Managing Director & CEO (A/C) of DCIL, highlighted that this investment would enable DCIL to reaffirm its position as India's leading dredging company and expand its global footprint.

Alignment with National Goals

This modernization initiative is a crucial component of the government's Maritime India Vision 2030 and Atmanirbhar Bharat 2047 goals. It aims to strengthen India's maritime capabilities and promote self-reliance in the blue economy sector.

The announcement, made in the presence of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, underscores the government's commitment to enhancing India's maritime infrastructure and capabilities.

As DCIL embarks on this transformative journey, the maritime sector eagerly anticipates the positive impact on India's dredging capacity, operational efficiency, and global competitiveness in the years to come.