Dredging Corporation of India Ltd outlined its DCI fleet expansion programme involving 11 new dredgers over five years at an indicative investment of Rs 3,560 crore, in a BSE filing dated September 25, 2026. The release, issued following its 50th annual general meeting held on September 24, also detailed a return to profitability in FY2025-26.

The company reported revenue from operations of Rs 1,208.33 crore and total income of Rs 1,214.10 crore. Profit after tax stood at Rs 4.75 crore, against a loss of Rs 27.46 crore in the previous year. Its operating profit margin improved to 16.84% from 12.33%.

The proposed fleet programme covers different vessel types and capacities for ports and inland waterways. DCI said it intends to fund the investment through a combination of equity and debt, aligning acquisitions with customer requirements, contract duration and vessel utilisation.

New vessel and funding plans

A central component is DCI Dredge Godavari, a 12,000 cubic metre Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger, under construction at Cochin Shipyard. Launched in October 2025, the vessel is expected to join the fleet during FY2026-27 and support higher-capacity and capital dredging assignments.

  • DCI is deliberating a rights issue of approximately Rs 1,000 crore to support capacity expansion and high-capacity vessel acquisitions.
  • During FY2025-26, it issued Rs 111.48 crore of secured, unrated, unlisted and redeemable non-convertible debentures to Cochin Shipyard.
  • It is exploring dry-docking and ship repair facilities and collaborations to reduce turnaround time and improve vessel availability.

Contracts support capacity planning

DCI has secured a five-year maintenance dredging contract for Mumbai Harbour and JN Port channels. It is also examining contracts spanning five to ten years to support capacity planning and investment in specialised assets.

During India Maritime Week 2025, the company signed 22 MoUs with 16 organisations, carrying an aggregate indicative value of approximately Rs 17,645 crore and durations of two to five years. The filing described these engagements as a platform for future business development and capacity planning.

Beyond maintenance dredging, DCI is assessing inland waterways, reservoir and dam desiltation, marine construction, offshore installations and subsea cable trenching. It is also pursuing domestic and international opportunities and exploring alliances and joint ventures with international companies.

Source: BSE corporate announcement.