Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works has secured its largest-ever dredging contract after receiving a Letter of Acceptance from New Mangalore Port Authority. The three-year maintenance dredging order is valued at approximately Rs. 3.03 bn, including taxes, and covers operations during FY27, FY28 and FY29.

The company emerged as the lowest bidder, with its offer approximately 10.16 per cent below the competing bid. The contract covers post-monsoon maintenance dredging of 15.9 mn cubic metres over three years, equivalent to an average annual volume of 5.3 mn cubic metres. The annual base contract value is approximately Rs. 1.01 bn, including taxes.

Work for the first year is scheduled to begin on November 15, 2026, with the annual dredging programme to be completed within 150 days. The scope covers the outer approach channel, lagoon, dock areas, turning circle, designated berth faces and pump-house areas at the port. Dredging depths will range from 6 m at Pump Houses 1 and 2 to 15.4 m below Chart Datum in sections of the outer approach channel.

The project requires deployment of a suitable Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD), along with specialised equipment for berth-face and pump-house work. In addition to the principal volume, the contract includes 180,000 cubic metres of berth-face dredging and 18,000 cubic metres of pump-house area dredging during the contract period.

The award expands Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works’ order book and strengthens its position in larger-volume maintenance dredging and port infrastructure. The company said the contract would support sustained asset utilisation, broaden its execution capabilities and advance its strategy of serving both smaller and larger dredging requirements. It also marks the company’s first responsibility for maintenance dredging across the complete port premises, rather than a limited section.