Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Enhancement of Dredging Capacity
  

The Union Minister of Shipping, Shri G. K. Vasan in written reply to a question has informed Lok Sabha today that the Government proposes to develop/upgrade and enhance the dredging capacity of domestic dredging companies to solve the regular complaints on dredging problems from the ports. The Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCI), the only Public Sector Undertaking in dredging sector under the administrative control of the Ministry of Shipping, is having 10 Nos. Trailer Suction Dredgers, 2 Cutter Suction Dredgers. DCI is presently having a hopper capacity of 54009 Cubic Meter. One Cutter Suction Dredger of 2000 Cub. Mtr capacity is under construction at Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai. The vessel is expected to be ready by end of February, 2010 for delivery upon successful completion of trials. DCI is procuring one Backhole Dredger from Netherlands, which is likely to be delivered in August, 2010. It also has a proposal to procure 3 Nos. Trailer Suction Hopper Dredgers of 5000 cubic meter capacity each through global tender. Regarding allocation of funds no budgetary support is provided to DCI, being a Miniratna Company.

Government of India has formulated a Dredging Policy for protecting Indian Companies. According to this policy Indian companies owing Indian Flag Dredgers, including Dredging Corporation of India Limited, shall have the right of first refusal in a dredging tender if the rate quoted by them is within 10% of the lowest valid offer.

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