Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd (KMEW) on Friday announced that it has been awarded a work order by Dredging Corporation of India Ltd (DCIL) for complex rock dredging works at the Coastal Berth of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).
The contract, valued at Rs 58.39 crore including taxes, involves removal of rock pinnacles and high spots at the berth and disposal of dredged material at the designated DS-3 dumping ground. The project is to be completed within 90 days from the commencement of work.
The scope includes technically challenging underwater rock dredging requiring high-precision drilling and controlled blasting in rock formations with compressive strength exceeding 170 megapascals. KMEW will deploy advanced marine assets such as drilling and blasting barges, trailing suction hopper dredgers, a backhoe dredger and hopper barges. The company has been granted a 60-day period for mobilisation and obtaining statutory approvals.
Approximately 10,500 cubic metres of extremely hard rock material will be dredged from water depths of up to 16 metres. KMEW said the contract underscores its capability to execute complex subsea engineering projects under tight timelines.
The company will deploy vessels from its existing fleet and acquire an additional vessel specifically for the project. KMEW highlighted its prior experience in rock dredging at Mangrol Fishing Harbour as a key credential supporting execution of this assignment.
Commenting on the order, CEO Sujay Kewalramani said the project represents one of the most complex rock dredging challenges undertaken by the company and reinforces KMEW’s position as a preferred partner in India’s dredging and marine engineering sector.