In view of the huge dredging requirements on the Indian Ports, the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) is planning to procure two 9000 Cubic Metres Hopper Capacity Dredgers in the years to come. With the acquisition of these dredgers, the Dredging Corporation of India will, to a large extent, be able to take care of the dredging needs of the major ports in the country and emerge as a global player.
This was stated by Shri G.K. Vasan, Union Minister of Shipping at the launching and naming of the 5500 Cubic Metres Capaciy Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger “DCI Dredge XIX” in Rotterdam today. The dredger has been designed by the Dutch company IHC Merwerde, a leading company in the field of supplying dredgers. DCI Dredge XIX is the first vessel from a series of three (including the DCI Dredge XX and DCI Dredge XXI). The vessel will be deployed for the maintenance and capital dredging project on the port and inland waterways in India.
The Ambassador of India to the Netherlands, Ms. Bhaswati Mukherjee , representatives of the local government, officers of the Embassy of India and Media were also present on this occasion. Shri Vasan is presently visiting the Netherlands as the head of an official delegation from India.
During his visit to the Netherlands, both sides discussed areas of mutual interest, particularly in the sectors of Ports, Maritime Transport & Logistics. In February, 2008, during the visit of the former Dutch Minister Mr. Camiel Eurlings to India, Netherlands and India had signed an MoU for cooperation in the field of Ports, Maritime Transport & Logistics. The MoU has since been extended for another period of three years in 2011.
Shri Vasan said that in the area of dredging, we are trying to achieve 14-metres draft in all the major ports and 17-metres draft in the hub ports in India. The dredging requirements both capital and maintenance of the Indian Ports would go up substantially and Dredging Corporation of India would continue to be a major player in this area, Shri Vasan added.
Recalling the long tradition of maritime interaction between India and the Netherlands Shri Vasan said, “ Our bilateral relations, based on shared values and an increasing convergence of interests, have evolved over the last six and half decades since India became a republic and are extremely cordial ”. Regarding Indo-Dutch cooperation in Maritime sector he said, “ We have and still continuing to benefit from the Dutch expertise in the field of shipbuilding and Maritime sector, particularly in the area of Dredging and we look forward to continued cooperation and support”.
He further stated that India and Netherlands are engaged in enhancing dialogue and strengthening of bilateral relations in areas like trade and investment, science and technology, information and communication technology, education and culture including Maritime and shipping sector. Trade and investment cooperation has continued to grow and has surpassed Euro 5 billion. He expressed the hope that the excellent bilateral relations would continue in the future.
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Dredging Today Staff, April 2, 2012; Image: ihcmerwede