DCIL's Growth Roadmap: Modernization, New Projects, and Increased Turnover

DCIL @50: Targets ₹3,000 Crore Turnover, Plans Expansion and Fleet Modernisation​

Visakhapatnam, March 27 – Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) marked its 50th anniversary on Friday, unveiling an ambitious roadmap focused on expansion, fleet modernisation, and scaling up operations, with a target to achieve ₹3,000 crore turnover in the coming years.

Strong Growth Backed by Order Book​

Managing Director and CEO Captain S. Divakar said the company aims to reach the revenue milestone within 5–10 years, supported by a robust order book of around ₹1,400 crore and rising opportunities in the maritime sector.

Established on March 29, 1976, DCIL has played a crucial role in developing India’s port infrastructure and maritime ecosystem over the past five decades.

Operational Expansion and Fleet Upgradation​

The company has significantly enhanced its operational capacity:

• Dredging depth increased from ~15 metres to 25 metres
• Hopper capacity expanded from 3,500 cubic metres to 12,000 cubic metres
• Port depths at major Indian ports improved to nearly 22 metres

DCIL now maintains a modern fleet, evolving from its early days of operating just one or two dredgers.

Revenue Growth and Market Share​

DCIL’s revenue has grown from around ₹200 crore in its early years to a record ₹1,146 crore. The company currently handles nearly 80% of India’s maintenance dredging, accounting for 110 million cubic metres out of 150 million cubic metres annually.

However, its share in capital dredging remains at around 10%, with plans to expand further in this segment.

Global Presence and Strategic Projects​

DCIL has expanded internationally with projects in:

• Saudi Arabia
• Bahrain
• Taiwan
• Sri Lanka
• Bangladesh

The company is also set to benefit from key national initiatives such as the Sagarmala Programme and major port developments including Vadhvan Port and Galathea Bay.

Fleet Expansion Under Maritime India Vision 2030​

Aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030, DCIL plans to induct 11 new dredgers, including:

• Hopper dredgers
• Cutter suction dredgers
• Specialised vessels

The company is collaborating with leading domestic shipyards such as:

• Cochin Shipyard
• Hindustan Shipyard
• Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE)
• Goa Shipyard
• Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML)

These efforts are in line with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Diversification into Emerging Segments​

DCIL is expanding into new areas, including:

• Submarine cable trenching
• Offshore wind energy support
• Inland waterways development

Fundraising and Productivity Boost​

To support growth, the company plans a ₹1,000 crore equity raise through a rights issue and aims to improve dredger productivity by 15%.

Skill Development and Workforce Strengthening​

DCIL is investing in workforce development by:

• Reviving the All India Dredging Cadre
• Introducing simulator-based training with the Indian Maritime University
• Setting up a training centre in Kakinada

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