DP World Commits USD 5 Billion to Strengthen India’s Maritime and Logistics Backbone

Global logistics major DP World has announced a fresh USD 5 billion (approx. ₹42,000 crore) investment commitment in India, marking one of the largest expansions by a foreign player in the country’s logistics and maritime sector.

The new investment, announced during India Maritime Week 2025, underscores the company’s long-term confidence in India’s growth trajectory and will significantly enhance multimodal infrastructure, reduce logistics costs, and support India’s ambition to become a leading global trade hub.

This latest capital infusion adds to DP World’s cumulative USD 3 billion investment in India over the past three decades bringing its total commitment to USD 8 billion.

Strategic Alignment with India’s Maritime Vision

Announcing the investment, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said the expansion reflects the company’s strong partnership with India’s reform agenda.

“This new investment, combined with strategic partnerships, reaffirms our commitment to advancing India’s maritime and logistics industry and cementing the nation’s position in global trade,” he noted.

Sulayem highlighted that the projects are aligned with flagship national programmes such as PM Gati Shakti, Sagarmala, and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, supporting India’s transition toward a greener, more efficient and digitally integrated logistics ecosystem.

Five MoUs to Drive Green Shipping and Capacity Expansion

DP World signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during India Maritime Week to catalyse infrastructure development, shipbuilding capabilities and skill enhancement across the sector.

Key initiatives include:

• Unifeeder (a DP World company) and Sagarmala Finance Corporation joining hands to scale green coastal and short-sea shipping, promoting low-emission, energy-efficient transport.
• Cochin Shipyard Ltd. and Drydocks World partnering to expand operations at the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) in Kochi, boosting India’s ship repair competitiveness.
• A tripartite MoU between Cochin Shipyard, Drydocks World, and the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS) to strengthen skill development in shipbuilding and repair technologies.
• A collaboration between DP World and the Cochin Port Authority to upgrade the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), enhancing operational efficiency and capacity.
• A landmark project between Deendayal Port Authority, DP World, and Nevomo to install a 750-metre MagRail Booster pilot track, pioneering next-generation automated, low-emission port operations.

These partnerships reflect India’s growing emphasis on green logistics, coastal shipping, and technology-driven maritime operations.

Expanding India’s Multimodal Footprint

DP World’s India network now covers 200+ locations, supporting over 24,000 direct and indirect jobs. The new investment will expand its presence across ports, container terminals, rail freight corridors, free trade zones and warehousing helping India integrate seamlessly with global value chains.

The company said the expansion will enhance supply chain efficiency, create employment opportunities, and promote technology adoption across India’s trade ecosystem from port terminals to hinterland logistics hubs.

Implications for India’s Trade Competitiveness

Industry observers view the announcement as a strategic vote of confidence in India’s long-term economic fundamentals and logistics transformation agenda. The USD 5 billion infusion aligns with the government’s vision to reduce logistics costs to 8% of GDP by 2030 and achieve net-zero targets through green infrastructure.

By enabling faster cargo movement, boosting coastal connectivity, and fostering maritime skill development, DP World’s expansion could serve as a catalyst for India’s export competitiveness and resilience amid shifting global trade flows.

Editor’s Take

DP World’s latest commitment is more than a corporate expansion it also signals a structural evolution in India’s maritime story. With private capital aligning with public infrastructure vision, India’s logistics future will be defined not just by capacity, but by connectivity, sustainability and strategic intent.