KMEW Acquires TSHD River Pearl 48 for ₹250 Crore to Boost Dredging Capacity
Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) acquired TSHD River Pearl 48 for ₹250 crore. This enhances its fleet for large-scale maintenance dredging. The vessel will support KMEW's NMPA contract and is scheduled for deployment on November 15, 2026.
The acquisition of a major dredging vessel for ₹250 crore directly enhances the company's capacity to execute significant contracts, such as the one with New Mangalore Port Authority, and supports its growth strategy.
The acquisition of a significant asset like the TSHD River Pearl 48 is a positive development that strengthens the company's operational capabilities and market position, especially for large-scale projects.
Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) has successfully completed the acquisition of a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) named River Pearl 48. The acquisition was made at a capital cost of approximately ₹250 crore, significantly enhancing KMEW's fleet and its capacity to undertake large-scale maintenance dredging projects.
The River Pearl 48 is a self-propelled vessel designed for dredging operations, capable of dredging an estimated 8–10 million cubic metres per annum, depending on project conditions. This acquisition is poised to support KMEW's recently secured three-year maintenance dredging contract with New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), which involves dredging 15.9 million cubic metres over three years.
The vessel is scheduled for immediate deployment at the New Mangalore Port, commencing on November 15, 2026, to support the maintenance dredging contract. The acquisition aligns with the Indian government's initiative to promote Indian-owned and Indian-flagged vessels, as River Pearl 48 has Indian ownership, flag, classification, and crew, making it eligible under the Right of First Refusal (RoFR) framework.
Mr. Sujay Kewalramani, CEO of KMEW, stated that the acquisition is a significant milestone, strengthening the company's capacity for large-scale projects and potentially opening avenues in the defence dredging market. He emphasized KMEW's commitment to strengthening India's maritime capabilities through the training and employment of Indian nationals.
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Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited filed this with the NSE as a statutory disclosure, categorised under acquisition. It is a primary document, not a recommendation, and the desk marks it high impact, which is the band that most often changes something.
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See the model portfoliosA plain-language summary of a public exchange filing by Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited. Read the original for the full detail.