Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on Friday laid the keel of India’s largest dredger, “DCI Dredge Godavari” marking a significant milestone in the country’s maritime capabilities. This Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) with a hopper capacity of 12,000 cubic meters build for the Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL), is a major initiative under the ‘Make in India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative of the Government.
The keel for DCI Dredge Godavari, has been laid by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal remotely. The function was virtually attended by key dignitaries such as the Ambassador of the kingdom of the Netherlands to India, Her Excellency Marisa Gerards, Chairperson of VPA & DCI Dr M Angamuthu, DCI’s MD Durgeshkumar and CSL CMD Madhu S Nair.
“DCI Dredge Godavari”, is built under collaboration with Royal IHC, Netherlands, a world leader in dredger design and construction. Once commissioned, this dredger will be the most sophisticated and technologically advanced dredger ever built in India. The vessel would significantly enhance the capability of the largest Indian dredging company DCI Limited, thereby increasing the capabilities of all major ports in India as envisaged under Maritime India Vision (MIV-2030). The construction of this high-capacity dredger will also enhance India’s dredging capabilities, supporting the growth of coastal and inland shipping market.
The vessel of length 127 mtrs. and breadth 28 mtrs. is built under the globally acclaimed “Beagle” platform of Royal IHC, Netherlands. It is customised to meet all Indian requirements. This asset will be a great enabler for the Government’s Port-led development initiative.
