DCI sets out ambitious fleet expansion plans for next five years

Visakhapatnam: As part of its fleet expansion plans, Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCI) is acquiring 11 new dredgers over the next five years. Covering different vessel types and capacities for port and inland-waterway applications, the investment for the programme is estimated approximately to the tune of Rs 3,560 crore, proposed to be funded through a combination of equity and debt.

At the annual general meeting for 2025-26, the company officials stated that the key component of DCI’s growth strategy is the modernisation and expansion of its dredging fleet. A major milestone in this programme is DCI Dredge Godavari, a 12,000 m³ trailer suction hopper dredger, being constructed at Cochin Shipyard Limited under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative with technical collaboration from Royal IHC. Launched in October 2025, the vessel is expected to join DCI’s fleet during FY 2026–27 and will enhance the company’s capability to undertake higher-capacity and capital dredging assignments.

Steering onto a profitable track, DCI recorded revenue of Rs 1,208.33 crore from its operations and earned a total income of Rs 1,214.10 crore, reporting a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs.4.75 crore, compared to a loss of Rs 27.46 crore in the previous year. DCI’s operating profit margin also improved from 12.33 per cent to 16.84 percent, reflecting improvement in operational performance and efficiency.

The company is exploring facilities and collaborations for dry-docking and ship repair with shipyards and greenfield ports to reduce turnaround time and improve vessel availability. The year marks an important milestone in DCI’s journey as the DCI celebrates its golden jubilee, having completed 50 years of service since its establishment in 1976. Over five decades, DCI has played an important role in maintaining navigable waterways, supporting ports and facilitating cargo movement that contributes to India’s trade and economic activity.

The company’s theme for the golden jubilee year, forging new depths of progress. 50 years strong, future ready’, reflects its focus on leveraging its experience while building capabilities for the next phase of growth. At a time when India’s maritime sector is entering a period of significant development, supported by increasing port capacity, deeper navigation channels, rising cargo volumes and greater emphasis on inland waterways, DCI is placing itself to participate in these emerging opportunities by strengthening its fleet, improving vessel utilisation, expanding its service offerings and pursuing new business segments.

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The Hans India