DP World has strengthened its commitment to India’s maritime and logistics sector with the acquisition of DP World Indus, an India-flagged container vessel that will enhance the company’s coastal shipping network and support the country’s multimodal logistics ambitions.
The addition of DP World Indus is expected to improve container transportation between major Indian ports by offering a more reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable alternative to long-distance road freight. The move aligns with India’s growing focus on shifting cargo from highways to coastal shipping, helping reduce road congestion, lower logistics costs, strengthen supply chain resilience, and cut carbon emissions.
DP World Strengthens India's Coastal Shipping Network
DP World currently operates one of India’s largest dedicated coastal container shipping networks, connecting 14 major ports through a fleet of 10 vessels. The company handled more than 473,000 TEUs in 2025, reflecting the rapid growth of coastal shipping as businesses increasingly adopt multimodal logistics solutions.
The newly inducted DP World Indus also completed its maiden voyage with a call at DP World’s Jeddah South Container Terminal, demonstrating the company’s strategy of integrating port operations with marine services to improve regional and international trade connectivity.
Coastal Shipping to Support India's Logistics Transformation
According to Ganesh Raj, Global Chief Operating Officer, Marine Services, DP World, India’s coastal shipping sector has enormous potential to transform domestic logistics while supporting sustainable economic growth.
He said the addition of the India-flagged vessel reinforces DP World’s commitment to expanding domestic maritime connectivity and delivering reliable shipping services that connect manufacturing hubs, industrial clusters, exporters, importers, and consumer markets across India.
Industry experts believe coastal shipping will play a critical role in India’s multimodal logistics strategy by offering:
- Lower transportation costs
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Faster and more efficient cargo movement
- Reduced dependence on long-haul trucking
- Greater supply chain resilience
Strategic Investment in India's Maritime Infrastructure
The acquisition forms part of DP World’s broader investment strategy in India, where the company continues expanding across:
- Port terminals
- Coastal shipping services
- Inland logistics infrastructure
- Container transportation
- Integrated supply chain solutions
Earlier this year, DP World also released its report, “Enhancing India’s Ship Registry: Pathways to Global Competitiveness,” outlining reforms aimed at making India’s ship registry globally competitive.
The report recommends improvements in:
- Maritime governance
- Fiscal incentives
- International ship registration
- Green shipping initiatives
- Regulatory modernization
These recommendations support India’s Maritime Vision 2030, which aims to position the country as a leading global maritime hub.
DP World Partners with Sagarmala Finance Corporation
Further reinforcing its coastal shipping ambitions, DP World’s Shipping Solutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFC) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
The partnership focuses on expanding sustainable coastal and short-sea shipping services, accelerating India’s transition toward greener, more efficient freight transportation.
- DP World acquires India-flagged container vessel "DP World Indus".
- Strengthens coastal shipping operations across 14 Indian ports.
- DP World now operates a fleet of 10 coastal container vessels.
- Handled over 473,000 TEUs through coastal shipping during 2025.
- Supports cargo shift from road transport to coastal shipping.
- Expected to reduce logistics costs, congestion, and carbon emissions.
- Maiden international call completed at DP World's Jeddah South Container Terminal.
- Supports India's Maritime Vision 2030 and multimodal logistics strategy.
- DP World continues investing in ports, shipping, logistics, and supply chain infrastructure across India.
- MoU with Sagarmala Finance Corporation aims to expand sustainable coastal shipping services.
Why This Matters
India is actively working to reduce logistics costs from nearly 13–14% of GDP to global benchmarks through multimodal transportation. Expanding coastal shipping capacity with India-flagged vessels such as DP World Indus supports this objective by moving more containerized cargo via sea instead of highways. This not only improves supply chain efficiency but also advances India’s sustainability goals through lower emissions and greener freight transport.
FAQs
What is DP World Indus?
DP World Indus is an India-flagged container vessel acquired by DP World to expand its coastal shipping network and improve container transportation between major Indian ports.
How many ports does DP World connect through its coastal shipping network?
DP World’s dedicated coastal shipping network connects 14 Indian ports using a fleet of 10 container vessels.
Why is coastal shipping important for India?
Coastal shipping reduces logistics costs, lowers carbon emissions, eases highway congestion, improves supply chain resilience, and supports India’s multimodal logistics strategy.
How many containers did DP World transport through coastal shipping in 2025?
DP World handled more than 473,000 TEUs through its coastal shipping services during 2025.
How does DP World Indus support India's Maritime Vision 2030?
The vessel strengthens domestic maritime connectivity, promotes sustainable freight movement, and supports India’s ambition to become a global maritime and logistics hub under Maritime Vision 2030.
