In recent times, dredging activities in ports, both capital and maintenance, have been witnessing a massive demand in India. This is increasingly being driven by the government’s plans of constructing new ports and expanding the existing ones to meet future traffic targets. Use of larger vessels, an increased focus on coastal shipping and inland waterways, and the demand for improved coastal engineering and management are also leading to the growth in demand.

Realising its growth potential, more players are entering the dredging market. Further, the Rs 568 billion National Maritime Development Programme (NMDP) has been providing considerable dredging opportunities by earmarking an amount of about Rs 49 billion for 21 dredging projects at all major ports in the country by 2011-12.