The Mumbai Port Authority (MPA) and the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) are yet to receive three patrol boats from Mumbai-based Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd, more than eight months after the maximum delivery timelines stipulated under their respective contracts.
In two other cases involving the Paradip Port Authority and the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, patrol boats were delivered, but only after delays.
Patrol boats deployed at major ports are specialised, high-speed vessels used for harbour security, surveillance and law enforcement in coastal and port waters.
MPA Issues Termination Notice
MPA had awarded a tender to Knowledge Marine in September 2024 for hiring two fully operational patrol boats for seven years. The vessels were scheduled to be delivered by March 23, 2025.
However, the company failed to meet the deadline. In a letter dated January 8, 2026, MPA issued a termination notice, citing the firm’s failure to provide substitute patrol boats with similar technical specifications during the period of delay or non-availability.
The port authority stated that the delay had resulted in a loss of ₹35 lakh and directed the company to confirm compliance by January 20, failing which the contract could be terminated. MPA did not respond to repeated queries regarding the current status of the contract.
NMPA Contract Still Active Despite Delay
Similarly, NMPA awarded a contract in August 2024 to the same company for hiring one patrol boat, with delivery originally scheduled for May 2025. The firm was granted an extension until July 2025, subject to applicable liquidated damages.
Despite this extension, the patrol boat — contracted at a cost of ₹9.7 crore — has not yet been delivered. A senior NMPA official confirmed the continued non-delivery but said the contract has not been terminated.
Ministry Sources: Ports Empowered to Act
Sources in the ports and shipping ministry indicated that major port authorities are empowered to take independent decisions on contracts and operations, and are responsible for initiating appropriate action in cases of delay or non-compliance.
The delays across four major ports have raised concerns over operational preparedness and contract enforcement in critical maritime security infrastructure.
