Cochin Shipyard-made latest Dredger is a milestone in Indian shipbuilding

Last week, India marked a major milestone in its maritime capabilities with the launch of the DCI Dredge Godavari, the nation's largest and most technologically advanced Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD).

Built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI), the vessel boasts a massive hopper capacity of 12,000 cubic metres, making it a powerhouse for port maintenance and expansion.

What is dredging?

Dredging plays a vital role in maritime infrastructure by removing sediment, deepening harbours, maintaining shipping channels, and reclaiming land along coastlines.

With the increasing volume of maritime trade and the strategic importance of India's ports, having advanced dredging vessels is critical for ensuring safe and efficient navigation.

The DCI Dredge Godavari (SH037) was officially launched on October 18, 2025, in a ceremony at Cochin Shipyard. The event was graced by Sirobhushanam Sujatha from DCI.

The launch also included the debut of two other state-of-the-art vessels, one designed for anti-submarine warfare for the Indian Navy and another hybrid electric methanol-ready commissioning vessel.

Dutch tech, Indian make

Developed in close partnership with Royal IHC, a renowned Dutch maritime technology company, the dredger integrates cutting-edge automation and control systems, making it highly efficient and environmentally friendly.

This latest development is in line with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Maritime India Vision 2030’ initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure.

With the addition of the DCI Dredge Godavari, India’s dredging capacity significantly expands, allowing the Dredging Corporation to maintain critical port channels to depths of up to 36 metres. Moreover, DCI plans to invest Rs 2,000 crores to acquire two more such vessels from Cochin Shipyard to further boost operational autonomy and reduce dependence on foreign-flagged dredgers.

Maritime