Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd (KMEW) has commissioned River Pearl 47, the largest and deepest Indian-flag, self-propelled backhoe dredger, at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority under a three-month contract awarded by Dredging Corporation of India Ltd (DCI).
The addition of River Pearl 47 strengthens KMEW’s specialised dredging fleet and enhances its capability to execute complex marine infrastructure and port development projects across India. With this induction, the company now operates a modern fleet of 45 vessels, including three Trailing Suction Hopper Dredgers (TSHDs), nine Cutter Suction Dredgers (CSDs), two grab dredgers, and two backhoe dredgers.
The dredger is equipped with a Japanese-built Komatsu PC2000 hydraulic excavator mounted on a hydraulically operated three-legged spud barge powered by dual engines. Designed for demanding dredging and large-scale infrastructure operations, the excavator was integrated with the barge at Mumbai Port by KMEW engineers, ensuring stability and structural integrity.
Powered by a 1,000 BHP engine, River Pearl 47 delivers high hydraulic performance with multiple boom and arm configurations, enabling dredging depths from 4 to 30 metres below water level. Its bucket capacity ranges from 1.75 to 12 cubic metres, ensuring high cycle efficiency for faster and more precise operations.
Under the contract, the dredger will undertake excavation of approximately 10,500 cubic metres of rock at a coastal berth operated by JM Baxi Ports & Logistics Ltd. The project aims to increase water depth to 11 metres overall and 12 metres in front of the 275-metre-long berth.
KMEW secured the contract through a tender floated by DCI. The backhoe dredger is specifically designed for accurate excavation of stiff seabed layers such as clay, rock, and boulders across shallow to deep waters. It is also suited for dredging high spots in ports, creating pipeline trenches, and removing blasted rock—areas where conventional dredgers often face limitations.
The company stated that the commissioning of River Pearl 47 marks a significant enhancement in its technical capabilities, supporting India’s expanding port and maritime infrastructure development.
