The Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) and Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) signed a memorandum of understanding on April seven, 2026, to deepen maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. The MoU brings together DCIL's dredging fleet and operational expertise with CDPLC's ship repair and shipbuilding infrastructure. The partnership is intended to deliver high quality, cost effective and timely solutions for vessel maintenance, repair, retrofitting and new shipbuilding initiatives.

Under the agreement, CDPLC will provide comprehensive ship repair and dry docking services for DCIL's fleet while both entities will jointly explore shipbuilding projects including specialised dredgers and offshore support vessels. Technical collaboration and knowledge sharing will support fleet modernisation and lifecycle efficiency. The arrangement is structured to enable coordinated planning of resources and to reduce turnaround time for repairs.

The partnership was presented as a strategic step to strengthen regional maritime infrastructure and service capabilities and to promote a resilient and sustainable maritime ecosystem. The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Santhosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka; Capt. Jagmohan, Chairman and Managing Director of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited; Biju George, Director Shipbuilding; and Ms Devika Lal, Counsellor Economic and Commercial at the High Commission of India. Officials indicated the collaboration will open avenues for technological exchange and commercial opportunities across South Asia.

DCIL is a premier organisation specialising in dredging services and currently operates under a consortium of four major Indian ports, reinforcing its strategic maritime role. Colombo Dockyard PLC is one of South Asia's leading shipyards with expertise in advanced shipbuilding and repair. Both organisations expect the alliance to improve service quality, enhance operational readiness and support regional trade and offshore activities.