Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) has signed an agreement with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to build a dredger with a capacity of 12,000 cubic metres. According to a statement issued by the Union Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways, the dredger- first Beagle Series 12 Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger would be developed by CSL. 

The agreement was signed at a ceremony held here in the presence of Union Minister of Ports Shipping and Waterways  Sarbananda Sonowal, MoS Shripad Naik, and secretary for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Dr Sanjeev Ranjan. 

 Speaking on the occasion Sarbananda Sonowal said that ministry has issued dredging guidelines for Major Ports considering the importance of dredging for the operation of Ports. 

 He said the need for sufficient dredgers is of utmost importance for timely completion of dredging and the new dredgers would be able to bring in the much-needed efficiency and timely completion of dredging.  He said this in turn would enable smooth operation of vessels.  “ the dredger built under the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ concept is one of the largest initiatives under Atmanirbhar Bharat and is a true reflection of international Collaboration for Make in India”, he said. 

Sonowal said the ministry has issued dredging guidelines at major ports to ensure that the dredge material has to be taken up for recycling and reuse based on scientific study. This will enable the employment of a sustainable dredging disposal mechanism and promote waste to wealth. He lauded the initiative of Cochin Port Trust which has been able to extract the dredged material and earn precious revenue by auction of dredge material.  

Appreciating the initiatives of Cochin Shipyard Limited in the technologically high-end vessel building segment, the Minister stated that the new dredger construction project is another major step for CSL which allows the Company to leverage its technological prowess and prepare the ground to “Make In India for the World”.