Report received from Shri Manoj Yadav, General Secretary, Forward Seamen’s Union of India
The handover of manning responsibilities in the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) to private entities is a step towards privatization which threatens the livelihoods of experienced seafarers and could lead to reduced wages and unsafe practices. The DCI was set up in 1976 and has played a pioneering role in dredging and maritime development in India. In 2019, the government disinvested its share holding in the DCI to government-owned four major port trusts. Since then, workers of DCI have opposing any to move to privatize it.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), representing thousands of seafarers across the nation, organized a major protest in Kolkata on 1 September to oppose the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI)’s decision to privatize the manning of seafarers on its dredgers. The demonstration, held at key port areas including Haldia, highlights growing concerns over job security, working conditions, and the potential exploitation of maritime workers under private recruitment agencies.
The protest comes amid ongoing onboard demonstrations by seafarers on multiple DCI vessels, including Dredger XXI, Dredger XVII, Dredger XI, XIV, and XII, where crews have united against the handover of manning responsibilities to third-party private entities. FSUI leaders argue that this privatization step threatens the livelihoods of experienced seafarers, who have dedicated decades to serving the nation’s dredging operations, and could lead to reduced wages, unsafe practices, and favouritism in hiring.
“After years of hard-fought battles that successfully halted the full privatization of DCI, we cannot stand by as the management quietly outsources our jobs to private players.”
“This move not only undermines the rights of our seafarers but also jeopardizes the operational integrity of India’s vital maritime infrastructure. We demand an immediate reversal of this decision and a commitment to protect public sector jobs.”
Protesters, including seafarers, families, and union supporters, gathered with placards and chants calling for “Stop Privatization” and “Save Seafarer Jobs.” The action follows recent live demonstrations at the Directorate General of Shipping in Mumbai and echoes past successes in suspending broader DCI privatization efforts. FSUI has warned that if their demands are not met, the protests could escalate into a nationwide industrial strike, potentially disrupting dredging activities at major Indian ports.
A rally was organized by FSUI in Kolkata, marching from Shramik Bhavan to Nizam Place, the office of CLC. They submitted a representation regarding privatization, pensions, the repatriation of seafarers abandoned at foreign ports, and other issues. The protest will continue until the DCIL management withdraws the tender.
Manoj Yadav
General Secretary
Forward Seamen’s Union of India
www.fsui.org