DP World to invest additional USD 5 bn in India’s logistics sector

DP World will invest an additional USD 5 bn in India to strengthen its supply chain network, which supports both exports and domestic trade, according to a press release. The announcement was made during India Maritime Week 2025, where DP World inked five MoUs with several industrial partners. The signed agreements include:

#1- Unifeeder to develop India’s shipping capabilities: DP World’s feeder and multimodal transportation firm Unifeeder partnered with Sagarmala Finance Corporation to develop green coastal and short-sea shipping across India. The partnership will focus on scaling commercially viable coastal transport models.

#2- Drydocks to support advancing ship building and repair skills: Drydocks World also inked a tripartite MoU with Cochin Shipyard Limited, and the Center of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS) to improve skill development in shipbuilding and repair.

#3- DP World and the Cochin Port Authority agreed to upgrade handling facilities at DP World’s International Container Transshipment Terminal in Kochi. The initiative aims to improve operational efficiency, expand trade capacity, and enhance Kerala’s maritime connectivity.

#4- Deendayal Port Authority, DP World, and Nevomo (MagRail) signed an agreement to design and install a 750-meter booster pilot track within the port. The three firms previously partnered to mull the deployment of autonomous magnetic rail freight movement solutions in India.

Where will the money go? The logistics firm, which invested USD 3 bn so far in India, focuses its projects on developing the Asian country’s infrastructure, improving multimodal connectivity, and increasing its global trade competitiveness.

What they said: “This new investment, combined with the strategic partnerships, reaffirms our commitment to advancing India’s maritime and logistics industry. Aimed at further lowering logistics costs, supporting local manufacturing, and expanding access to markets across the country, these initiatives will strengthen India’s innovative and sustainable maritime capabilities,” DP World’s CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said.

ICYMI- Abu Dhabi is planning on investing upwards of USD 2 bn in India’s Maharashtra’s ports and shipbuilding sector. The investments will be explored under an MoU linked between Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and Maharashtra Ports Department. Meanwhile, DP World’s marine and ship repair subsidiary Drydocks World inked a heads of terms agreement with India’s Cochin Shipyard to set up India’s first vessel repair cluster.

It’s all part of a bigger plan: DP World announced intentions last December to boost its presence in India by expanding into more industrial parks and logistics projects. The port operator launched operations at Cochin Economic Zone in the Vallarpadam terminal back in June 2024 and also operates in Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva Business Park and Chennai’s Integrated Chennai Business Park. The firm also operates five container terminals in India’s Mundra, Cochin, and Chennai, as well as two in Mumbai.