DP World has added a new vessel to its Indian coastal shipping fleet, deepening its push to strengthen domestic maritime trade across the country's ports.
The company's Marine Services arm, Shipping Solutions, has acquired DP World Indus, a container ship with capacity for more than 2,500 TEUs. The vessel will focus on moving cargo along India's coastline, linking key ports and offering businesses an alternative to road transport.
The acquisition brings DP World's dedicated coastal fleet in India to 10 vessels, serving a network of 14 ports nationwide. Shipping Solutions handled over 473,000 TEUs through its Indian coastal operations in 2025 alone, underlining the scale of the business it has built in the region.
By shifting more cargo onto coastal routes, DP World aims to ease congestion on India's road networks while supporting a more sustainable and resilient supply chain. The approach reflects a broader industry shift toward maritime transport as a cleaner and more efficient way to move goods across long distances.
Ganesh Raj, Global Chief Operating Officer of Marine Services at DP World, said India's coastal shipping sector offers a major opportunity to boost supply chain efficiency and drive sustainable growth. He linked the move to findings from the company's 2025 report on India's ship registry, noting that the India-flagged vessel reflects DP World's commitment to strengthening domestic maritime connectivity.
The vessel's first port call took place at Jeddah South Container Terminal, also operated by DP World, marking a milestone in the company's efforts to integrate its ports and marine services businesses more closely.
The move forms part of DP World's wider strategy to invest in India's trade and logistics infrastructure, spanning ports, shipping and broader supply chain solutions.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
