Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) has received a significant work order from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). This announcement was made on October 10, 2025.
Contract Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Awarding Entity | Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) |
| Project Nature | Design, construction, and supply of 4 Cutter Suction Dredgers (CSDs) and ancillary units (4 work boats + 4 accommodation boats) |
| Project Location | National Waterways-1 (River Ganga) – Jal Vikas Marg Project |
| Total Value | ₹127.12 Crores (excluding taxes) |
| Execution Period | 18 months |
| Award Type | Fifth work order from IWAI; second repeat order for shipbuilding |
| Related Party Status | Domestic entity; not a related-party transaction |
| Execution Phases | Phase 1 (14 months): 2 CSDs, 2 work boats, 2 accommodation boats Phase 2 (18 months): Remaining 2 CSDs, 2 work boats, 2 accommodation boats |
The vessels will be used to enhance navigability and infrastructure along National Waterway-1.
Strategic Significance for KMEW
This order is a key milestone for KMEW, marking its expansion into commercial shipbuilding.
Supporting National Initiatives: Aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative and shifts the company towards a Business-to-Government (B2G) model for building dredgers and ancillary vessels.
Leveraging Expertise: KMEW will use its experience from successfully deploying 9 CSDs in past National Waterways projects.
Strengthening Market Position: This landmark order enhances KMEW’s chances of securing future government contracts and represents a high-margin extension of its existing capabilities.
Infrastructure Ready: KMEW’s recent shipyard acquisition provides the capacity to scale production.
Alignment with Maritime Development Plan: The contract supports the government’s ₹69,725 crore 4-Pillar Maritime Development Plan, which encourages domestic shipbuilding, provides financial support schemes, and lowers borrowing costs through the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) and Maritime Development Fund (MDF).
KMEW’s new order from IWAI positions the company as a key player in India’s commercial shipbuilding sector, contributing to nation-building and maritime development.
