Knowledge Marine Acquires River Pearl 48 Dredger for ₹250 Crore
Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (BSE: 543273, NSE: KMEW) Completes Acquisition of TSHD River Pearl 48 for ₹250 Crore
Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (BSE: 543273, NSE: KMEW) has announced the completion of the acquisition of "River Pearl 48", a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD), for a capital cost of approximately ₹250 crore. The strategic acquisition enhances the company's fleet capabilities and execution capacity for large-scale maintenance dredging projects.
Project Deployment and Operational Scope
The vessel is scheduled for immediate deployment at the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) to support a recently awarded three-year maintenance dredging contract.
Key details of the operational deployment include:
- Contract Workload: Involves principal post-monsoon dredging of 15.9 million cubic metres over three years.
- Commencement Date: Operations are scheduled to commence on 15 November 2026.
- Dredging Capacity: With a maximum dredging depth of 36 m, River Pearl 48 has the potential to dredge approximately 8–10 million cubic metres per annum, subject to project conditions and deployment.
Technical Specifications of River Pearl 48
River Pearl 48 is a self-propelled vessel that dredges while moving slowly over the seabed through a cycle of suction, hopper loading, transport, and discharge.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) |
| Year Built | 2021 |
| Length × Breadth × Depth | 118.20 m × 19.20 m × 8.60 m |
| Maximum Dredging Depth | 36 m |
| Potential Dredging Capacity | 8–10 million m³ 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 |
Strategic and Regulatory Alignment
The acquisition aligns with Government of India objectives to promote domestic maritime assets:
- Right of First Refusal (RoFR): The vessel falls within the ambit of the RoFR framework, supporting preferential treatment for Indian vessels in eligible procurement processes.
- Domestic Classification: The dredger operates under the Indian flag, is classified with the Indian Register of Shipping, and is manned by a 100% Indian crew.
- Market Expansion: Beyond commercial port contracts, the vessel's capabilities provide a platform for KMEW to explore opportunities in the defence dredging market.
Management Commentary
Commenting on the acquisition, Mr. Sujay Kewalramani, CEO of Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd., stated:
"Completing the acquisition of River Pearl 48 is a major milestone in KMEW’s growth journey. With a capital investment of approximately ₹250 crore and the potential to dredge 8–10 million cubic metres annually, the vessel strengthens our capacity to execute large-scale maintenance dredging assignments. Its immediate deployment at New Mangalore Port will support our delivery commitments, while its capabilities create a platform for KMEW to explore opportunities in the defence dredging market. The vessel’s Indian flag, classification with the Indian Register of Shipping and 100% Indian crew reflect our commitment to strengthening India’s maritime capabilities."
The acquisition of River Pearl 48 removes execution uncertainty for the ₹303. 17 crore NMPA project and significantly expands KMEW's asset base with a young (2021-built) dredging vessel of 8-10 million m³ annual capacity. The vessel qualifies for Right of First Refusal (RoFR) and opens doors to defence dredging contracts.
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