NMDC Group (NMDC) has announced the expansion of its over 170 vessel fleet with an $168 million (AED618 million) self-propelled cutter suction dredger.
With an overall length of 148 meters and total installed power of 30,440 kilowatts, the vessel will further enhance NMDC’s marine dredging capacity, in light of the Group’s growing backlog and awarded projects across multiple jurisdictions.
Officials from both NMDC Group and its subsidiary NMDC Dredging and Marine attended the keel laying ceremony, which marked the beginning of construction. It is expected that the vessel will be completed and operational by the first quarter of 2027.
“Celebrating a new vessel build is a symbolic reference to our operational expansion, capability enhancement, in addition to setting a new foundation for growth. This state-of-the-art dredger will join NMDC’s impressive fleet, enhance our operational capabilities, and allow us to execute our projects with more efficiency. A core strategic directive at NMDC is to boost the Group’s long-term capacity, deploy best-in-class assets, adopt the latest technology, and enhance its capacity to execute major coastal, port, energy, and offshore projects across key international markets.”
According to the reports, the investment reflects a broader capacity expansion at NMDC, which has been increasing its asset base to address a growing order backlog and expand its international presence.
The new dredger is designed to support complex reclamation, port development, and energy-related projects, requiring high-powered, self-propelled assets capable of sustained, long-term operations.
In recent years, NMDC Group has been constantly enhancing its capacity to meet its growing pipeline of projects across multiple geographies. In 2025, NMDC Dredging and Marine grew its international footprint with projects in the Philippines and Oman with NMDC Energy.
