KMEW Acquires ₹250 Crore Dredger; Shares Fall 4.57%

Mumbai, November 05: Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) has completed the acquisition of River Pearl 48, a trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD), at an approximate capital cost of ₹250 crore. The acquisition is aimed at strengthening the company’s fleet and expanding its capacity to execute large-scale maintenance dredging projects.

The vessel has a maximum dredging depth of 36 metres and a potential dredging capacity of 8–10 million cubic metres per annum, subject to project conditions and deployment. Built in 2021, River Pearl 48 measures 118.20 metres in length, 19.20 metres in breadth and 8.60 metres in depth.

River Pearl 48 to Support New Mangalore Port Contract

KMEW plans to deploy the vessel immediately at New Mangalore Port to support the commencement of its recently awarded three-year maintenance dredging contract on November 15, 2026.

The contract involves principal post-monsoon dredging of 15.9 million cubic metres over three years. The vessel is expected to strengthen the company’s execution capacity for the project.

River Pearl 48 carries the Indian flag, is classified by the Indian Register of Shipping and has an entirely Indian crew. Its ownership and operational structure align with the government’s Right of First Refusal framework for Indian-owned and Indian-flagged vessels.

Stock Market Snapshot

The KMEW share price was trading at ₹3,177.80, down ₹152.10 or 4.57% on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 11:29:16 AM IST, compared with the previous close of ₹3,329.90. The stock opened at ₹3,400.

About Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works

Incorporated in 2015, Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited operates marine crafts and provides dredging, repair and maintenance services for marine vessels and infrastructure. Its activities include dredging at ports, ship repair and refit services, hydrographic and magnetometer surveys, and technical solutions for vessel maintenance and operations.

Conclusion

The acquisition of River Pearl 48 marks a major expansion of KMEW’s dredging fleet, backed by an investment of approximately ₹250 crore. Its planned deployment at New Mangalore Port is expected to support the company’s three-year maintenance dredging assignment and strengthen its capacity for larger projects.

Source:

• https://www.nseindia.com/get-quote/equity/KMEW/Knowledge-Marine-&-Engineering-Works-Limited
• https://nsearchives.nseindia.com/corporate/KMEW_05112026110721_Press_Release_-_Acquisition_of_RP_48-s.pdf