Indian marine services company Knowledge Marine and Engineering Works (KMEW) announced on Thursday, November 5, that it had finalised its purchase of the TSHD River Pearl 48 at a capital cost of approximately INR2.5 billion ($26.5 million).
The 2021-built vessel will be deployed at New Mangalore Port for a three-year maintenance dredging contract scheduled to begin on November 15. The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) contract is worth approximately INR3.03 billion including goods and services tax (GST). KMEW described it as its largest dredging order to date.
The contract calls for 15.9 million cubic metres of post-monsoon maintenance dredging over three years. Each annual programme must be completed within 150 days.
The scope includes the 7.5-kilometre outer approach channel, as well as the lagoon and dock areas, turning circle, designated berth faces and pump houses.
"Its immediate deployment at New Mangalore Port will support our delivery commitments, while its capabilities create a platform for KMEW to explore opportunities in the defence dredging market," said KMEW CEO Sujay Kewalramani.
The company said the vessel's Indian ownership, flag, classification and crew place it within the right of first refusal (ROFR) framework. That framework gives preference to Indian vessels in eligible procurement processes.
River Pearl 48 has a length of 118.20 metres, a beam of 19.20 metres and a maximum dredging depth of 36 metres. She is fitted with two 8,000-cubic-metre-per-hour dredge pumps and two 3,310kW main engines, and is classed by the Indian Register of Shipping.
KMEW estimates that, each year, she could dredge eight to 10 million cubic metres, subject to project conditions.
KMEW previously secured a 15-year battery-powered tug operation contract from Visakhapatnam Port Authority.