Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) has completed the acquisition of River Pearl 48, a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD), at a capital cost of approximately ₹250 crore. The acquisition strengthens KMEW's fleet and execution capacity for large-scale maintenance dredging projects.
The vessel is a self-propelled dredger that operates through a four-step process: suction of sediment from seabed, hopper loading, transport to disposal area, and discharge of dredged material.
Key Vessel Specifications:
- Vessel type: Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD)
- Year built: 2021
- Dimensions: 118.20 m length × 19.20 m breadth × 8.60 m depth
- Maximum dredging depth: 36 m
- Potential dredging capacity: 8–10 million cubic metres per annum
- Dredging draught: 7.30 m
- Speed: 13.60 knots
- Gross/net tonnage: 6,408/3,588
- Main engines: 2 × 3,310 kW
- Dredge pumps: 2 × 8,000 m³/hour
- Jet pumps: 2 × 3,000 m³/hour
- Flag/Class: Indian flag / Indian Register of Shipping
- Crew: 100% Indian
The vessel is scheduled for immediate deployment at New Mangalore Port to support commencement of the maintenance dredging contract on November 15, 2026. This contract involves principal post-monsoon dredging of 15.9 million cubic metres over three years at New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA).
The vessel's Indian ownership, flag, classification and crew align with the Government of India's objective of promoting Indian-owned and Indian-flagged vessels. The vessel falls within the ambit of the Right of First Refusal (RoFR) framework, supporting preference for Indian vessels in eligible procurement processes.
Management Commentary:
Mr. Sujay Kewalramani, CEO of Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd, stated that the acquisition is a major milestone in KMEW's growth journey. The vessel strengthens their capacity to execute large-scale maintenance dredging assignments and creates a platform to explore opportunities in the defence dredging market. The company remains committed to strengthening India's maritime capabilities and developing skilled talent in the maritime sector.
The acquisition reinforces KMEW's focus on strengthening its marine asset base, developing Indian maritime talent and building capabilities for larger and more technically demanding dredging projects.
Company Background:
Incorporated in 2015, KMEW is in the business of owning and operating Marine Crafts, dredging, repair and maintenance/refits of Marine Crafts and Marine Infrastructure. The company provides multiple solutions of marine engineering including dredging at various ports, carrying out repair and refit services of naval and merchant ships, conducting hydrographic and magnetometer surveys and technical solutions for maintenance and operations of vessels. The company has a multi-million order book from clients including Ministry of External Affairs, Kolkata Port Trust, Visakhapatnam Port Trust, Deendayal Port Trust, Paradip Port Trust, Dredging Corporation of India and various other ports.