Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works (KMEW) has secured a Rs 303.17 crore maintenance-dredging order from the New Mangalore Port Authority, giving the company its largest-ever dredging contract, according to a company statement reported by Moneycontrol.
KMEW said it emerged as the lowest bidder for the project, with its bid approximately 10.16 per cent below the bid submitted by competitors. The order covers maintenance dredging across several operational areas of New Mangalore Port, including the outer approach channel, lagoon, dock areas, turning circle, designated berth faces and pump-house areas.
The contract is focused on maintaining the navigable and operational portions of the port rather than developing a new facility. The work will require the deployment of a suitable Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger, or TSHD, along with specialised equipment for dredging near berth faces and pump-house areas, the company said.
Dredging is a routine but critical part of port operations because the removal of accumulated sediment helps maintain the required depth and usable navigational space in channels, turning areas and berths. The areas listed in the order indicate that the project covers both vessel-access routes and locations where ships are handled or supported within the port complex.
The outer approach channel is the route through which vessels access the port, while the turning circle provides the space required for ships to manoeuvre. Dock areas and designated berth faces are directly connected to vessel handling. Pump-house areas require specialised equipment under the contract, reflecting the different operating conditions that can arise across a port’s marine and shore-side infrastructure.
KMEW described the order as its largest dredging contract to date. The company’s statement did not provide a project completion date, details of the selected dredger’s capacity, or a phase-wise execution schedule. It also did not disclose the names of the competing bidders.
The contract was awarded through a bidding process in which KMEW’s offer was identified as the lowest. Its bid being approximately 10.16 per cent below the competing bid, as stated by the company, was a key factor in the award information released on Saturday.
For New Mangalore Port, the immediate operational focus will be maintenance work across the listed marine zones. The project’s scope places the emphasis on keeping approach, berthing, turning and support areas functional through the deployment of marine dredging equipment and specialised machinery.
The company statement did not specify when mobilisation would begin or identify any temporary operating arrangements during the dredging work. Further details on the execution timetable, equipment deployment and operational coordination are expected to be set out through the port authority and contractor as the project moves forward.
