Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) has announced the successful acquisition of River Pearl 48, a state-of-the-art Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD), marking a major milestone in the company’s fleet expansion and growth strategy.
The acquisition, involving a capital investment of approximately ₹250 crore, is expected to significantly strengthen KMEW’s capabilities in large-scale dredging operations and enhance its presence in India’s maritime infrastructure sector.
The 118.2-metre-long dredger is equipped to operate at a maximum dredging depth of 36 metres and has a potential annual dredging capacity of 8–10 million cubic metres, subject to project conditions and deployment.
River Pearl 48 is scheduled for immediate deployment at New Mangalore Port, where it will support KMEW’s recently secured three-year maintenance dredging contract involving 15.9 million cubic metres of principal post-monsoon dredging.
The acquisition is also expected to enhance the company’s ability to undertake larger and more technically challenging dredging projects while opening opportunities in the emerging defence dredging segment.
Featuring Indian ownership, an Indian flag and a fully Indian crew, the vessel also underscores KMEW’s commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the development of indigenous maritime capabilities, while creating opportunities for Indian seafarers.