Knowledge Marine Bags Rs 303 Crore New Mangalore Port Order

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works (KMEW) has secured its largest-ever dredging contract worth Rs 303.17 crore from the New Mangalore Port Authority, marking a significant addition to the company’s order book. The project covers maintenance dredging across several key areas of the port and will require the deployment of specialised marine equipment.

The company emerged as the lowest bidder for the contract, submitting a bid approximately 10.16% below the bids offered by competitors. KMEW disclosed the order in an exchange filing on Saturday, describing it as its largest dredging order to date.

Project Covers Multiple Areas of New Mangalore Port

The contract involves maintenance dredging across the outer approach channel, lagoon, dock areas, turning circle, designated berth faces and pump-house areas of New Mangalore Port.

Maintenance dredging is carried out to remove accumulated sediment, sand and other material from waterways and port facilities. The process helps maintain the required water depth for vessels to navigate, approach berths and operate safely within port limits.

The work at New Mangalore Port will therefore cover both navigational channels and operational areas used by vessels. Maintaining adequate depth across these locations is important for supporting the movement of ships and the smooth functioning of port infrastructure.

Specialised Dredging Equipment to Be Deployed

According to the company, the project will involve deploying a suitable Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD), along with specialised equipment for dredging berth faces and pump-house areas.

A Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger is a specialised vessel designed to collect sediment from the seabed through suction pipes while moving along a designated dredging area. The collected material is stored in an onboard hopper before being transported for disposal or placement at an approved location.

The use of a TSHD is particularly relevant for large-scale maintenance work involving approach channels and other port areas. Additional specialised equipment will be required to carry out dredging near berth faces and pump-house facilities, where operational requirements may differ from those of open channels.

Lowest Bidder Status Strengthens KMEW’s Order Position

KMEW’s selection as the lowest bidder represents an important development in its efforts to secure larger marine infrastructure projects. Its bid was approximately 10.16% lower than the competing bids, according to the company’s statement.

The Rs 303.17 crore contract is the largest dredging order the company has secured so far. Winning a project of this size expands its presence in the dredging segment and adds a substantial contract to its existing business pipeline.

For marine engineering companies, large port-related contracts can provide opportunities to demonstrate project execution capabilities, deploy specialised vessels and equipment, and build relationships with port authorities.

Why Maintenance Dredging Matters for Port Operations

Ports require regular maintenance to ensure that channels, turning basins and berthing areas retain sufficient depth for vessels. Sediment naturally accumulates in waterways over time because of currents, tides and the movement of material along the seabed.

If accumulated sediment is not removed, available water depth can decline, potentially restricting vessel movement and affecting port operations. Maintenance dredging helps address this issue by restoring the required depth in designated areas.

At New Mangalore Port, the project covers several operationally important locations, including the outer approach channel and turning circle. Work across these areas is intended to maintain navigational access and support vessel movement within the port.

What the Contract Means for Knowledge Marine

The latest order marks a significant milestone for Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works because of its value and the range of dredging activities involved. The company will need to mobilise suitable dredging vessels and specialised equipment to carry out the work across the identified port locations.

The contract also highlights the role of specialised marine engineering firms in maintaining India’s port infrastructure. As ports depend on navigable channels and properly maintained berthing facilities, dredging remains an essential activity for supporting maritime operations.

With the Rs 303.17 crore New Mangalore Port order, KMEW has added its largest-ever dredging contract to its portfolio. The project’s execution will be an important measure of the company’s ability to manage large-scale maintenance dredging assignments.