Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW), a prominent player in the marine engineering sector, has announced a significant new contract win. The company has secured a work order valued at ₹91.85 lakh from the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), further solidifying its position in India's maritime infrastructure industry.

Contract Details

The newly awarded contract involves the "Excavation/Cutting in Water Front Area at Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) facilities for Handling Over Dimensional Cargo (ODC Cargo) at Bunder Basin." This project is set to be executed over a four-month period and carries a total value of ₹91,85,120, inclusive of GST.

Scope of Work

The work order encompasses several key activities:

• Dredging and excavation in the water front area near the South Wharf at Bunder Basin
• Excavation of various materials including sand, silt, clay, and admixtures of any soil type from within the Ro-Ro pockets surrounding the Ro-Ro location
• Removal and disposal of all excavated materials to a designated area outside the port premises

Strategic Implications

This contract win holds strategic importance for KMEW:

1. Asset Utilization: The company plans to deploy its in-house vessel fleet for this operation, showcasing its asset readiness and commitment to maximizing fleet utilization.
2. Operational Efficiency: By using its own equipment, KMEW aims to ensure cost efficiency and operational agility.
3. Market Position: This project reinforces KMEW's standing as a preferred partner in India's dredging and marine engineering sector.

Management Commentary

Mr. Sujay Kewalramani, CEO of Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd, commented on the contract, stating, "With this order win, KMEW continues to strengthen its presence at one of India's most vital maritime gateways. We are ready to execute this complex project with efficiency and discipline."

Company Background

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works, 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 and infrastructure. KMEW's diverse portfolio includes services such as hydrographic and magnetometer surveys, as well as technical solutions for vessel maintenance and operations.

This latest contract from the Deendayal Port Authority adds to KMEW's impressive order book, which includes projects from various esteemed clients such as the Ministry of External Affairs, Kolkata Port Trust, Visakhapatnam Port Trust, and Dredging Corporation of India, among others.

As KMEW celebrates a decade in the industry, this new project aligns with the company's strategic focus on scaling operations and delivering critical infrastructure services with excellence, setting the stage for continued growth and success in India's marine infrastructure landscape.

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd (KMEW) has unveiled an ambitious growth strategy, setting its sights on projects worth Rs 2,000 crore with impressive 35% EBITDA margins. The company, which operates in the dredging, shipbuilding, and port ancillary services sectors, is poised for significant expansion in the coming years.

Diversified Operations and Growth Trajectory

KMEW's operations span three key segments: dredging, shipbuilding, and port ancillary services. The company has demonstrated its capabilities by constructing 34 vessels for its own use and now plans to extend its shipbuilding expertise to construct vessels for the Government of India.

The company's growth trajectory has been remarkable, with turnover surging from Rs 1.49 crore in FY16 to over Rs 200.00 crore in the previous fiscal year. This exponential growth is further underscored by a profit after tax of approximately Rs 50.00 crore.

Strong Order Book and Future Projections

KMEW's order book stands at a robust Rs 881.00 crore as of May 2025, indicating a healthy pipeline of projects. The company has also placed bids for projects worth Rs 3,500.00 crore, showcasing its aggressive pursuit of new opportunities.

Looking ahead, KMEW has set an ambitious target of achieving Rs 600.00-700.00 crore in revenue within the next three years. This projection aligns with the company's overall growth strategy and its focus on high-value projects.

Financial Strength and Debt Management

The company's balance sheet has shown significant expansion, growing from Rs 60.00 crore in FY24 to Rs 133.00 crore in FY25. This growth in assets provides KMEW with a stronger foundation to pursue its ambitious projects.

In a move that strengthens its financial position, KMEW has repaid Rs 50.00 crore in debt to HDFC Bank this fiscal year. The company maintains a healthy equity ratio of 1.5 to 1, indicating a balanced approach to leverage and financial stability.

Expansion into Shipbuilding and Repair Services

As part of its growth strategy, KMEW plans to expand its shipbuilding and repair services to cater to external clients. This move is expected to diversify the company's revenue streams and leverage its existing expertise in vessel construction.

Conclusion

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd's ambitious targets and strong financial performance position it as a company to watch in the marine engineering and services sector. With a diverse range of operations, a healthy order book, and plans for expansion, KMEW appears well-equipped to navigate the waters of growth and capitalize on opportunities in the maritime industry.