After over seven years of anticipation, dredging surveys for the Brahmaputra River have commenced at Bogibeel. A team from the Inland Waterways Authority of India is focusing on a critical 300-meter stretch to enhance navigation, significantly improving ferry, cruise, and cargo services in the region. Actual dredging is expected soon.
Damen Shipyards Group is constructing three shallow draft multipurpose support vessels in the UAE to meet the growing demand for offshore and dredging activities. These proven Damen models are well-suited for the region’s shallow waters. Equipped for various tasks, including dredging and installation, the vessels offer customization options for customers.
The Vadhavan Port project will be undertaken under the PPP mode, with a total cost of Rs. 17,709 crore for land reclamation and dredging, and Rs. 38,976 crore for other infrastructure works. This marks a shift from the previous plan of EPC funding by JNPA and MMB, with private operators covering the remaining Rs. 37,244 crore.
The Bangladesh Inland Transport Authority abandoned ten routes due to irregularities in river dredging, as reported by the Shipping and Communication Reporters Forum. Launches do not operate on these routes, blaming lack of navigability. Environmental activists and experts criticize the lack of transparency and accountability in dredging operations. Owners allege widespread irregularities and corruption.
In December 2023, severe cyclonic storm Michaung caused siltation in the Bay of Bengal, leading to reduced port channel depths. Van Oord’s HAM 318 drag suction dredger will remove around 5 million cubic meters of material to restore the harbor’s required depth by early March. Krishnapatnam Port, India’s deepest, chose Van Oord for their excellent track record.
The team expects to complete the study by March. Environmental clearance for the construction of Adani Vizhinjam Private Port Limited’s (AVPPL) second and third phases hinges on the report. The deadline for both phases was shifted to 2028. The project is estimated to cost Rs 10,000 crore, with 1,000 meters of breakwater to be built.
