Capt. S. Divakar Calls for Transforming DCI Into a Globally Competitive Dredging Company
Visakhapatnam:
Port Wings News Network:
On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCI) celebrated the spirit of nation-building and its five decades of contribution to India’s maritime sector.
Addressing employees and stakeholders, DCI’s Managing Director & CEO, Capt. S. Divakar, called upon the organisation “to build on its 50-year legacy and transform itself into a globally competitive dredging company.”
Capt. Divakar paid tribute to the freedom fighters and citizens whose sacrifices secured India’s independence and emphasised that the responsibility of the present generation is to build a strong, prosperous, self-reliant and globally respected India.
Highlighting the Government of India’s vision for the maritime sector, he said that Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, together with the focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and “Dredge in India”, provide a significant opportunity for DCI to strengthen India’s domestic dredging capabilities.
50 Years of DCI: From Four Dredgers to a National Maritime Institution
Capt. Divakar highlighted that DCI, established in 1976 with four dredgers, has completed 50 years of service and has grown into an organisation with a fleet of 14 dredgers. Over five decades, DCI has supported the dredging requirements of India’s Major Ports and several critical maritime infrastructure projects.
“Our work may happen beneath the water, but its impact is visible across the economy. By maintaining the required depths of waterways, channels and port approaches, DCI has helped create the pathways through which India’s trade and maritime infrastructure can grow,” he said.
INTERNATIONAL DREDGING ASSIGNMENTS
He noted that DCI has also successfully executed international dredging assignments in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bahrain and Taiwan, demonstrating the Corporation’s ability to compete in the international dredging arena.
Capt. Divakar appreciated the contribution of DCI’s employees and teams in successfully completing important projects at SMPK, NMPA, CoPA and JNPA, while acknowledging the continued support of project teams, contractors and other stakeholders.
₹7,500 Crore Business Plan to Build Future Dredging Capacity
Looking ahead, Capt. Divakar outlined DCI’s ambitious growth strategy aligned with the long-term objectives of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
He said that DCI has prepared a comprehensive Business Plan aligned with the dredging requirements identified through the NITI Aayog study up to 2035. The plan envisages an investment of approximately ₹7,500 crore towards fleet augmentation and associated capabilities.
Through phased capacity augmentation, DCI aims to achieve a dredging capacity of approximately 176 million cubic metres per annum by 2036.
The Corporation’s long-term objective is to cater to approximately 100% of the maintenance dredging requirements of India’s Major Ports and 60% of the country’s capital dredging requirements by 2036.
Capt. Divakar emphasised that strengthening DCI’s domestic capacity would contribute to reducing dependence on foreign dredging companies for critical dredging requirements and further strengthen India’s maritime self-reliance.
Four New Dredgers to Strengthen DCI’s Fleet
As part of its immediate growth strategy, DCI is progressing with the procurement of four new dredgers, with a strong focus on Make in India.
Capt. Divakar said the immediate objective is to build the capacity required to serve India’s growing maritime infrastructure needs, while using this strengthened domestic capability as the foundation for future international expansion.
Several significant projects are also in the pipeline, including IDCO, CoPA, JNPA, PPA and SMPK, which will require DCI to strengthen not only its fleet but also its manpower, technology, systems and project execution capabilities.
Green DCI: Solarisation Meets 35% of Monthly Electricity Requirement
Emphasising that nation-building also involves adopting sustainable and environmentally responsible practices, Capt. Divakar highlighted DCI’s ongoing solarisation initiative.
The solarisation project, implemented through a Ministry-approved Government agency, is generating approximately 22,000 units of clean energy every month, meeting around 35% of DCI’s monthly electricity requirement.
He said that such initiatives would play an important role in DCI’s journey towards becoming a greener, more sustainable and environmentally responsible organisation.
DCI Sets Global Ambition
Capt. Divakar stated that DCI’s ambition extends beyond strengthening its position in the domestic market. The Corporation aims to become one of the Top 10 dredging companies in the world.
Achieving this ambition, he said, would require continuous improvement in fleet strength, technology, project execution, safety, commercial capability and financial performance.
He also highlighted the steps being taken to strengthen DCI’s equity base, including expansion of share capital and a Rights Issue for equity infusion, to support the Corporation’s long-term growth and transformation.
Market Capitalisation Crosses ₹3,260 Crore
Capt. Divakar expressed satisfaction that DCI’s market capitalisation has crossed approximately ₹3,260 crore, reflecting growing investor confidence in the Corporation and its future potential.
He said that the achievement also places a greater responsibility on DCI to sustain its performance, create value for stakeholders and contribute meaningfully to India’s maritime growth. He further highlighted DCI’s strong operational performance, stating that the Corporation achieved revenue of approximately ₹356 crore during the first quarter.
He congratulated the entire DCI team and called for continued focus on operational efficiency, timely project completion, optimum utilisation of dredgers and cost discipline.
Employees at the Centre of DCI’s Transformation
Capt. Divakar emphasised that the most important asset of DCI is its people. He said the Corporation would continue to focus on employee welfare, career progression, promotions for eligible employees, necessary transfers and recruitment of new talent.
Appreciating the contribution of employees across the organisation, he particularly acknowledged the efforts of DCI’s Regional Office teams at Mumbai, Kolkata and Kochi towards the Corporation’s Q1 performance.
He also placed on record his appreciation for DCI’s shipping and dredging personnel who work round the clock, often away from their families and in challenging marine conditions. He thanked contractors and subcontractors for their continued support and partnership.
“The First 50 Years Established DCI; the Next Decade Must Transform DCI”
Reflecting on DCI’s Golden Jubilee year, Capt. Divakar said that the completion of 50 years should be viewed not as the culmination of the Corporation’s journey, but as the beginning of a new chapter.
“The first 50 years established DCI; the next decade must transform DCI,” he said, calling upon employees to work together as “One DCI” to achieve the organisation’s ambitious targets.
He urged employees to embrace technology and innovation, strengthen the fleet and capabilities, develop people, and contribute to building a stronger “Dredge in India” ecosystem.
Concluding his Independence Day address, Capt. Divakar expressed confidence that with determination, teamwork and collective effort, DCI would successfully move from 50 years of legacy towards a future of global leadership.
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