DP World Acquires New Container Vessel To Expand India’s Coastal Shipping Network

DP World’s Marine Services business has acquired the DP World Indus, a container ship with a capacity exceeding 2,500 TEUs, to strengthen its coastal shipping network in India. This strategic addition aims to enhance multimodal transport efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by shifting cargo from road networks to the sea. The move is a significant step in supporting India’s domestic trade and logistics ecosystem while aligning with national maritime growth objectives.

DP World’s Shipping Solutions has officially expanded its Indian coastal fleet to 10 vessels following the acquisition of the DP World Indus. The 2,500+ TEU container ship is designed to support rapid cargo movement across a network that currently encompasses 14 ports. This expansion follows a productive 2025 for the company, during which it handled over 473,000 TEUs through its coastal shipping operations. By deploying an India-flagged vessel, DP World intends to provide more reliable and sustainable transport solutions that connect major manufacturing, industrial, and consumption centers across the country.

Ganesh Raj, Global Chief Operating Officer of Marine Services at DP World, stated that the acquisition reflects a commitment to strengthening domestic maritime connectivity as outlined in the company’s 2025 report, 'Enhancing India’s Ship Registry: Pathways to Global Competitiveness.' The report identifies coastal shipping as a vital tool for improving supply chain efficiency and supporting sustainable economic growth. By increasing the capacity for sea-based transport, DP World aims to reduce the heavy reliance on road networks, thereby contributing to more responsible and lower-emission supply chains within the Indian market.

This investment is closely aligned with India’s Maritime Vision 2030, a government initiative aimed at positioning the nation as a global leader in the maritime sector. In 2025, DP World further solidified its commitment to this vision by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFC), a government enterprise under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Together, they plan to develop and scale coastal and shortsea shipping services, utilizing the Indian flag as a symbol of trust and maritime excellence to enhance the country's global competitiveness.