Sun May 18 17:35:25 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

India’s largest dredger, the ‘DCI Dredge Godavari,’ is 40% complete at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) with collaboration from Royal IHC of the Netherlands. It’s expected to be launched on July 20, 2025, and delivered to the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) by late 2025 or early 2026. This Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD), with a 12,000 cubic meter capacity, is a significant project under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, aimed at boosting Indian port capacities under the Maritime India Vision (MIV-2030). The vessel, costing around ₹950 crore, will be the most technologically advanced dredger built in India and will enhance the country’s maritime capabilities.

**News Article:**

**India’s Largest Dredger Nears Completion, Bolstering Maritime Capabilities**

Visakhapatnam – India is poised to significantly enhance its port infrastructure with the impending completion of the ‘DCI Dredge Godavari,’ the nation’s largest dredger. Currently, 40% complete at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the vessel is being built in collaboration with Royal IHC of the Netherlands. The Dredging Corporation of India (DCI), headquartered in Visakhapatnam, anticipates launching the vessel on July 20, 2025, with delivery expected by late 2025 or early 2026.

Costing approximately ₹950 crore, the ‘DCI Dredge Godavari’ is a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) boasting a substantial 12,000 cubic meter capacity. This advanced vessel represents a key component of the Government of India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, aimed at increasing the capacities of major Indian ports under the Maritime India Vision (MIV-2030).

“Once commissioned, the dredger would be the most technologically advanced dredger ever built in India,” said a DCI official speaking on condition of anonymity. “The DCI Dredge Godavari will be a prestigious asset of the country and an important milestone in India’s maritime capabilities.”

The keel laying ceremony, held virtually in 2024, was attended by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, alongside representatives from Royal IHC. The 127-meter-long and 28-meter-wide vessel is built on Royal IHC’s acclaimed ‘Beagle’ platform and customized to meet all Indian requirements, promising to be a valuable asset for the country’s port-led development initiatives. The completion of the ‘DCI Dredge Godavari’ signifies a major step forward in India’s efforts to modernize and expand its maritime infrastructure.

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