In a significant development for India’s maritime infrastructure sector, Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd (KMEW) has secured a new work order valued at ₹72.5 million. The announcement marks another milestone in the company’s expanding footprint in marine engineering and dredging services, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable player in coastal and inland waterway projects.
This latest contract adds to KMEW’s growing order book and reflects continued demand for specialized marine services in India’s evolving port and harbor landscape. While specific details about the client and scope of work are yet to be disclosed publicly, industry insiders suggest the project may involve dredging, hydrographic surveys, or marine asset maintenance—areas where KMEW has demonstrated consistent expertise.
Strategic Implications
The ₹72.5 million work order is not just a financial boost—it’s a strategic win. Here’s why:
Revenue Visibility: The contract enhances short-term revenue visibility for KMEW, which has been steadily growing its topline through government and private sector engagements.
Sectoral Momentum: With India investing heavily in port modernization and inland waterway development under the Sagarmala Programme, marine engineering firms like KMEW are well-positioned to benefit.
Operational Leverage: KMEW’s lean operational model and asset-light approach allow it to scale projects efficiently, often delivering ahead of schedule and under budget.
About Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Mumbai, KMEW specializes in:
-
Dredging and desilting operations
-
Hydrographic and bathymetric surveys
-
Vessel chartering and marine logistics
-
Port and harbor maintenance
The company has executed projects for major ports including Mumbai Port Trust, Kolkata Port, and Visakhapatnam Port, and has also worked with inland waterway authorities across India. Its fleet includes specialized dredgers, survey vessels, and support craft tailored for shallow and deep-water operations.
KMEW is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), and its stock has seen steady appreciation over the past two years, driven by strong earnings and consistent order inflow.
Management Commentary
While the company has not issued a detailed press release yet, sources close to the management indicate optimism about the new contract. A senior executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“This order reflects the trust our clients place in our technical capabilities and execution track record. We remain committed to delivering high-quality marine engineering solutions that support India’s maritime ambitions.”
Industry Context
India’s maritime sector is undergoing a transformation, with increased focus on:
-
Port-led development: Expansion and modernization of major and minor ports
-
Inland waterways: Boosting cargo movement through rivers and canals
-
Coastal connectivity: Enhancing last-mile logistics for coastal communities
These initiatives have created a fertile ground for marine engineering firms, especially those with niche capabilities like KMEW. The company’s ability to win repeat contracts and scale operations efficiently gives it a competitive edge in this dynamic landscape.
Financial Snapshot
As of its last quarterly report:
-
Revenue: ₹24.6 crore (Q1 FY25)
-
Net Profit: ₹4.2 crore
-
EBITDA Margin: 22.5%
-
Order Book: ₹180+ crore
The ₹72.5 million order adds roughly 4% to its existing order book, signaling healthy business momentum.
What’s Next?
Investors and analysts will be watching closely for:
-
Execution timeline and margin profile of the new order
-
Additional contract wins in Q3 and Q4
-
Strategic partnerships or fleet expansion announcements
With the maritime sector poised for robust growth, KMEW’s agility and technical depth could make it a standout performer in the small-cap engineering space.
Sources: BSE India, Sagarmala Programme, Government of India, Moneycontrol
