Posted on August 20, 2025
The state-run ports of Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Deendayal jointly acquired the Union government’s 73.47% stake in DCI for ₹1,056 crore in 2019 through strategic disinvestment.
Dredging Corporation of India Ltd (DCI) has issued a tender worth ₹90.40 crore for the manning, operation, and technical management of five trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHDs) for a three-year term, extendable by two years. The move comes as the Visakhapatnam-based firm, now owned by four state-run major ports, looks to improve operational efficiency amid challenges in securing skilled marine personnel.
TSHDs are critical for maintaining navigation channels at ports and harbours. The tender is open to experienced technical manning contractors holding a valid Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) under the National Maritime Board (NMB) agreement. Bidders must also possess an Indian Document of Compliance (DOC) for Indian-flag vessels, valid for at least five consecutive years. Foreign ship managers with only representative offices in India are not eligible. The contract will be awarded to the lowest bidder.
A DCI spokesperson said the company is adopting the “operation and maintenance” model already used by port authorities for tugboats to enhance efficiency. DCI currently operates nine dredgers.
The state-run ports of Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Deendayal jointly acquired the Union government’s 73.47% stake in DCI for ₹1,056 crore in 2019 through strategic disinvestment.
The tender comes against the backdrop of recurring technical issues with the dredger fleet. Dredge 16 suffered a door failure enroute to Mumbai after dry-docking at Kandla, while Dredge 17 developed shaft seal leaks after servicing at Kochi. At Pondicherry, both anchors of Dredge 19 broke, forcing emergency repairs in Chennai with parts borrowed from Dredge 20. Similarly, Dredge 21 had to be replaced in Kolkata after its shaft seals failed, requiring dry-docking.
