DP World adds boxship to India coastal fleet

DP World DP World has expanded its Indian coastal shipping fleet with the acquisition of a 2,500 teu-plus containership, as the Dubai-based ports and logistics group builds out its domestic maritime network in one of its key growth markets. The company’s marine services arm, Shipping Solutions, has taken over the DP World Indus , a vessel dedicated to moving domestic container cargo between Indian ports. DP World said the ship will support more reliable and sustainable coastal cargo transport while reducing pressure on India’s road network. The acquisition takes place against the backdrop of India’s push to shift more freight from road to sea and rail under its Maritime Vision 2030. Coastal shipping is being promoted as a way to reduce logistics costs, cut emissions and improve connectivity between manufacturing, industrial and consumption centres. DP World’s coastal network in India now spans 14 ports and is served by a dedicated fleet of 10 vessels. The business handled more than 473,000 teu through its coastal shipping operations in 2025. The DP World Indus has already made its maiden call at the South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, which is operated by DP World. The company said the call underlines its strategy of linking ports and marine services more closely across regional trades. Ganesh Raj, global chief operating officer for marine services at DP World, said India’s coastal shipping sector offers “a significant opportunity to improve supply chain efficiency and support sustainable economic growth”. Sam Chambers Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune. Read Next July 8, 2026 Polaris lines up Vale-backed newcastlemaxes July 8, 2026 Peninsula and Itochu launch ammonia bunkering venture July 8, 2026 Bahri books pair of offshore support vessels at Grandweld July 8, 2026 Hormuz returns to crisis mode after tanker attacks trigger US strikes July 8, 2026 Seaspan and Maersk deepen retrofit push Back to top button