DP World has expanded its coastal shipping operations in India with the acquisition of DP World Indus, a container vessel with a capacity of more than 2,500 TEUs, in a move aimed at strengthening domestic maritime connectivity and supporting the country’s Maritime Vision 2030. The India-flagged vessel will be deployed for coastal cargo movement between major Indian ports, enhancing the company’s ability to offer reliable, efficient and sustainable transportation services. DP World’s Shipping Solutions network currently connects 14 Indian ports with a dedicated fleet of 10 vessels and handled more than 473,000 TEUs through coastal operations in 2025. The vessel also made its maiden call at the Jeddah South Container Terminal, operated by DP World, reflecting the company’s strategy of integrating its ports and marine services businesses.
Ganesh Raj, Global Chief Operating Officer, Marine Services, DP World, said the acquisition reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening India’s domestic maritime ecosystem by improving supply chain efficiency and offering dependable alternatives to long-haul road transport. He noted that the move aligns with recommendations outlined in the company’s 2025 report on enhancing India’s ship registry and supports the government’s vision of building a globally competitive maritime sector. The company also highlighted its earlier memorandum of understanding with Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited to promote sustainable coastal and short-sea shipping services across the country.
In Kolkata, the expansion is expected to benefit businesses across eastern India by improving coastal connectivity to the region’s ports. Kolkata’s manufacturing, engineering, tea, steel and export-oriented industries could gain from faster container movement, lower logistics costs and more resilient supply chains. The enhanced coastal network is also expected to strengthen trade links between eastern India and other major domestic ports, supporting the region’s growing role in India’s maritime and logistics ecosystem.