Cochin Shipyard to Deliver Advanced Dredger to DCI by September 2025

Cochin Shipyard will deliver a state-of-the-art Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) to Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) by September 2025, as announced by Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. The dredger, with a capacity of 12,000 cubic meters, is the first of its kind under the Beagle Series 12 and the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative, symbolizing a major leap in India's maritime technology.

Valued at ₹800 crore, this dredger is poised to play a pivotal role in maintaining port channels across the country, marking a significant move away from reliance on imported dredging vessels. Built on the internationally acclaimed Beagle Platform from IHC Holland, the vessel is tailored to meet Indian needs.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Cochin Shipyard and IHC Holland B.V. has secured the technology and design collaboration for these high-capacity dredgers. This partnership aligns with India’s goal of integrating cutting-edge global technology into its maritime operations.

Responding to inquiries from MP Kalanidhi Veeraswamy, Minister Sonowal highlighted DCI's fleet capabilities, which include 10 TSHDs with a total hopper capacity of 59,513 cubic meters. DCI remains a dominant force in India's dredging market.

DCI's administration is shared among four major ports, ensuring a strong regional presence in the maintenance dredging sector.

News by Rahul Yelligetti