Mumbai & New Mangalore ports await 3 patrol boats months after contract deadline

NEW DELHI: The Mumbai Port Authority (MPA) and the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) are still awaiting the delivery of three patrol boats, more than eight months beyond the maximum stipulated timeline under their contracts. In the case of two other major ports — Paradip and VO Chidambarnar, two such boats were delivered late.

The four major port authorities awarded these contracts to Mumbai-based Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd. Patrol boats for ports are specialized, fast, and agile vessels designed for security, surveillance, and law enforcement in harbours and coastal areas.

The four major port authorities awarded these works to Mumbai-based Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd

The MPA awarded a tender to the firm in September 2024 to hire two fully operational patrol boats for deployment over seven years. The boats were scheduled to be delivered by March 23, 2025, but the company failed to meet the deadline.

Last month, the port authority issued a termination notice to the company, citing its failure to provide substitute patrol boats with similar technical specifications during the period of non-availability or delay. The letter, dated January 8, 2026, also stated that the delay had caused a loss of Rs 35 lakh to the port authority. The company was asked to confirm compliance by January 20, failing which the contract could be terminated.

The MPA did not respond to repeated queries regarding the status of the contract.

Similarly, the NMPA awarded a contract to the same firm in August 2024 for hiring one patrol boat, with delivery scheduled for May 2025. The company was permitted a delayed delivery until July 2025, subject to the maximum applicable liquidated damages. However, the boat has still not been delivered.

A senior NMPA official said the contracted cost of the patrol boat was Rs 9.7 crore, and it remains undelivered. The port authority has also not terminated the contract despite the delay.

Sources in the ports and shipping ministry said that since port authorities are empowered to take decisions regarding contracts and operations, they are responsible for initiating appropriate action.

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