en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has awarded a contract worth INR 661.1 million (approximately USD 7 million) to a consortium led by Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works (KMEW) for the construction of 10 hybrid electric passenger ferries.

The order was secured by a consortium led by Knowledge Shipyard Private Limited, with KMEW as a consortium member. The contract scope includes the design, construction, supply, testing, and commissioning of 10 ferries, each with a capacity of 20 passengers. The construction cost amounts to INR 655.2 million (approximately USD 6.9 million), while maintenance and support costs total INR 5.9 million (approximately USD 62,500), inclusive of applicable taxes. Construction must be completed within 10 months of receiving the work order, with maintenance and support services to be provided for 60 months post-delivery.

Specific project tasks encompass marine engineering, classification certification, construction, hybrid electric propulsion system integration, installation of navigation and safety equipment, testing, and final delivery, all of which must comply with IWAI's technical, statutory, and quality requirements. KMEW CEO Sujay Kewalramani stated that this contract represents Knowledge Shipyard's first external commercial government shipbuilding order, validating the group's plan to build a scalable shipbuilding platform through the company, and noted that the project utilizes less than 5% of the shipyard's capacity and resources.

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works' primary businesses include vessel ownership and operation, dredging, ship repair, maintenance, and conversion, as well as marine infrastructure. Its subsidiary, Knowledge Shipyard Private Limited, is engaged in shipbuilding, ship repair, and ship conversion. The Inland Waterways Authority of India is a statutory body under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, responsible for the development and management of national waterways.

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