DP World has declared its plan to invest an additional $5 billion in India, aimed at enhancing its integrated supply chain network that supports both exports and domestic trade. This new commitment adds to the previous $3 billion investment made by the group in India over the last thirty years.
The focus of these investments will be on developing national infrastructure, improving multimodal connectivity, and increasing the country’s competitiveness in global trade.
This announcement was made during the “Maritime India Week 2025,” following the signing of five memorandums of understanding in the presence of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways of India.
The purpose of these agreements is to strengthen industrial partnerships, which will facilitate significant investment opportunities and create more jobs within India’s maritime sector.
On this occasion, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, stated, “For three decades, DP World has been a vital part of India’s growth journey. This new investment, along with strategic partnerships, reaffirms our commitment to developing the maritime and logistics sectors in India and enhancing its status on the global trade map. These initiatives aim to reduce logistics costs, support local manufacturing, and expand market access throughout the country, thereby enhancing India’s innovative and sustainable maritime capabilities.”
He further added, “We are fully aligned with India’s national priorities, including the Prime Minister’s Gati Shakti initiative, the Sagarmala program, and the Maritime Amrit Kaal 2047 vision. Our mutual commitment lays the foundation for India’s future, enhancing its economic interconnection and confidence in its self-reliance, paving the way for it to achieve global leadership in the maritime sector.”
The memorandums of understanding signed by DP World during “Maritime India Week 2025” cover areas such as green coastal shipping, shipbuilding, ship repair, skill development, and advanced shipping logistics, all aimed at accelerating sustainable growth in the sector and improving efficiency. The agreements include the following:
1. A memorandum between Unifeeder, a subsidiary of DP World, and Sagarmala Finance Corporation to develop green coastal shipping and short-sea transportation in India, creating a cleaner and more efficient logistics system.
2. A preliminary agreement between Cochin Shipyard Limited and Drydocks World to expand and operate an international ship repair facility in Kochi, enhancing India’s maritime capabilities and establishing it as an emerging hub for global marine services.
3. A tripartite memorandum involving Cochin Shipyard Limited, Drydocks World, and the Shipbuilding and Repair Excellence Center to develop skills in shipbuilding and repair, enhancing Indian competencies to position the country as a global center of maritime expertise.
4. A cooperation agreement between Cochin Port Authority and DP World to enhance maritime infrastructure in Kerala by developing handling facilities at DP World’s international cargo terminal in Kochi, improving operational efficiency and regional trade capacity.
5. A tripartite agreement between Dindayal Port Authority, DP World, and Nevom, to create and design a 750-meter test track for Magrail Booster technology within the port, paving the way for the next generation of low-emission automated port operations in India.
It is noteworthy that DP World’s network in India spans over 200 locations, providing more than 24,000 direct and indirect job opportunities across the country. The investments and partnerships announced during “Maritime India Week 2025” are expected to further expand DP World’s presence, reinforcing trade’s role as a positive force in job creation, accelerating growth, and improving supply chains, thereby positively impacting the lives of millions around the globe.