Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) has clinched a significant contract from Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) for maintenance dredging at Pondicherry Port. The ₹28.32 crore deal marks KMEW's strategic entry into Pondicherry Port and underscores the company's growing presence in India's maritime infrastructure sector.

Contract Details

The contract involves chartering a Shallow Draft Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) for maintenance dredging at Pondicherry Port. Key aspects of the agreement include:

• Value: ₹28.32 crore (inclusive of GST)
• Duration: 3 months, with a possible 1-month extension
• Scope: Dredging approximately 2,00,000 cubic meters in the Mouth Portion, Entrance Channel, and Sand Trap Areas of Pondicherry Port

Strategic Significance

This contract represents KMEW's eighth engagement with Dredging Corporation of India in the past four years, highlighting the company's strong track record and growing reputation in the dredging industry. It also marks KMEW's first project at Pondicherry Port, expanding its operational footprint across India's coastline.

Operational Approach

KMEW plans to execute the project using equipment from its existing fleet, demonstrating the company's focus on maximizing asset utilization without incurring significant capital expenditures. This strategy aligns with KMEW's commitment to operational efficiency and cost-effective project execution.

Management Commentary

Sujay Kewalramani, CEO of Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd, commented on the contract, stating, "This order win not only reflects our successful track record with Dredging Corporation of India but also our ability to serve different employers across the Indian Coast. Our strategic focus on maximizing asset utilization enables us to execute these contracts efficiently without incurring major capital expenditures, further solidifying our position as a leader in the dredging industry."

Company Background

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited, established in 2015, has evolved from a small ship-repair unit to a comprehensive marine engineering solutions provider. The company specializes in owning and operating marine crafts, dredging, repair and maintenance of marine crafts, and marine infrastructure development. KMEW has built a diverse portfolio of clients, including various port trusts and government entities across India.

This latest contract reinforces KMEW's growing prominence in the Indian maritime sector and its ability to secure strategically important projects that contribute to the development and maintenance of India's port infrastructure.

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) has secured a significant contract worth ₹80.69 crore from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), marking its formal entry into the commercial shipbuilding sector. The contract, which includes GST, involves the design, construction, and supply of 6 work boats and 6 accommodation boats over a 20-month period.

Contract Details

The vessels will be utilized for the Capacity Augmentation of National Waterway-1 (River Ganga) Project. This contract represents a strategic expansion for KMEW, diversifying its operations beyond its previous focus on ship repair and dredging services.

Strategic Significance

CEO Sujay Kewalramani described the contract as a landmark achievement, stating, "This milestone marks a pivotal expansion into the shipbuilding domain, reinforcing diversification within the maritime sector. KMEW always had a vision of entering into shipbuilding and had a motive to provide Make In India ships to third parties and contribute towards nation building."

Expansion of Capabilities

Until now, KMEW had been engaged in shipbuilding for in-house purposes, supplying vessels on charter to the Government of India. This new contract represents the company's first business-to-government (B2G) shipbuilding venture, which is expected to unlock significant value from KMEW's shipbuilding team.

Alignment with National Objectives

The contract aligns with the Government of India's strategic focus on enhancing port efficiency and inland waterway infrastructure. It also affirms KMEW's growing role in supporting national maritime objectives through the supply of reliable and high-quality ancillary services.

Financial Impact

The contract's substantial value of ₹80.69 crore is expected to have a positive impact on KMEW's revenue stream over the next 20 months.

Company Background

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited, incorporated in 2015, has evolved from a small ship-repair unit to a ship-owning company. The firm specializes in:

• Owning and operating marine crafts
• Dredging
• Repair and maintenance of marine crafts
• Marine infrastructure

KMEW has an established presence in the small marine craft business segment and dredging services in India.

This new contract not only strengthens KMEW's portfolio but also positions the company as a key player in India's shipbuilding industry, supporting the country's maritime infrastructure development initiatives.