Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Secures ₹58.39 Crore Rock Dredging Contract from DCIL
Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited has been awarded a ₹58.39 crore contract by Dredging Corporation of India Limited for complex rock dredging at Jawaharlal Nehru Port. The project involves removing rock pinnacles and high spots at the Coastal Berth, with a dredging volume of approximately 10,500 cubic meters in water depths up to 16 meters. The rock's compressive strength exceeds 170 megapascals, requiring specialized underwater controlled blasting. The company will deploy advanced marine assets including drilling and blasting barges, dredgers, and hopper barges. CEO Sujay Kewalramani emphasized the project's technical complexity and the company's capability to handle such challenging assignments.

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Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited has secured a major work order worth ₹58.39 crores from Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) for complex rock dredging operations at Jawaharlal Nehru Port. The contract represents a significant milestone for the marine engineering company and showcases its technical capabilities in challenging underwater operations.
Contract Overview and Scope
The work order encompasses the removal of rock pinnacles and high spots at the Coastal Berth of Jawaharlal Nehru Port, followed by disposal of dredged material at the designated DS-3 Dumping Ground. The project specifications highlight the technical complexity involved:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Value | ₹58.39 crores (including taxes) |
| Execution Timeline | 90 days from commencement |
| Mobilization Period | 60 days for equipment and permits |
| Dredging Volume | Approximately 10,500 cubic meters |
| Water Depth | Up to 16 meters (high-tide conditions) |
| Rock Compressive Strength | Exceeding 170 megapascals |
Technical Challenges and Equipment Deployment
The project represents one of the most technically demanding rock dredging assignments undertaken in Indian waters. The rock formation targeted for dredging exhibits compressive strengths exceeding 170 megapascals, requiring specialized underwater controlled blasting methodology due to its proximity to critical port infrastructure.
Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works will deploy an integrated fleet of advanced marine assets for the operation:
- Dedicated drilling and blasting barge
- Trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHDs)
- Backhole dredger
- Self-propelled hopper barges
- Secured explosives storage facilities
The company has 60 days to mobilize equipment and obtain all requisite permissions before commencing operations.
Management Commentary and Strategic Positioning
CEO Sujay Kewalramani emphasized the company's positioning as a comprehensive solution provider for technically demanding port sector projects. He noted that this assignment had been attempted by several dredging contractors previously but remained largely unsuccessful due to its extraordinary complexity.
Kewalramani highlighted that the project will require development of an exceptionally intricate underwater controlled blasting methodology, given its immediate proximity to critical port infrastructure. The company plans to engage India's most eminent rock drilling and blasting specialists for the execution.
Track Record and Capabilities
Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works possesses demonstrated experience in similar challenging environments, having successfully completed rock dredging works at Mangrol Fishing Harbour. The company has established credentials through the successful dredging of over 137,000 cubic meters of rock at that location, reinforcing its technical credibility and operational competence.
Company Background
Incorporated in 2015, Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works operates in marine crafts ownership, dredging, repair and maintenance services for marine crafts and infrastructure. The company has evolved from a small ship-repair unit to a comprehensive ship-owning entity with a multi-million order book from esteemed clients including Ministry of External Affairs, various port trusts, and Dredging Corporation of India.
Historical Stock Returns for Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -5.44% | -0.54% | +16.08% | +94.07% | +52.88% | +54.66% |
















































