DP World and Maersk Announce Over $7 Billion in Investment Commitments for India's Maritime Infrastructure

India's ambition to become a maritime power is gaining serious momentum, as DP World and APM Terminals (Maersk) have committed over $7 billion to expand the country's port and logistics infrastructure.

apm-terminals-pipavav

APM Terminal Papivav, India (Photo: APM Terminal / Phaata)

India's ambition to become a global maritime power has just received a major boost, as Dubai-based DP World and APM Terminals (part of Denmark's Maersk Group) announced new investments totaling over $7 billion to expand port and logistics infrastructure across the country.

These announcements, made during India Maritime Week 2025, underscore India's growing appeal to foreign port operators as the nation implements large-scale reforms under its Amrit Kaal Maritime Vision 2047.

A New $5 Billion Commitment from DP World

DP World will invest an additional $5 billion to strengthen its integrated logistics and supply chain network in India, bringing its total commitment to approximately $8 billion over three decades. The company said this capital will support multimodal connectivity, reduce logistics costs, and boost export competitiveness.

The new commitment follows DP World's signing of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Indian maritime authorities, covering areas such as green coastal shipping, ship repair, skill development, and cargo mobility.

Among the key partnerships, Unifeeder (DP World's feeder operator) signed an MoU with Sagarmala Finance Corporation to promote sustainable coastal shipping; Drydocks World and Cochin Shipyard Limited agreed to expand ship repair facilities at Kochi; while DP World also signed an agreement with the Deendayal Port Authority and Nevomo (MagRail) to pilot India's first low-emission, automated rail system at the port.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said the investment reflects "a shared commitment to building a connected, confident, and self-reliant India."

APM Terminals to Expand Pipavav Port with $2 Billion

Meanwhile, APM Terminals Pipavav has signed an MoU with the Gujarat Maritime Board for a $2 billion expansion plan at Pipavav port, one of India's most efficient private ports.

This investment is part of A.P. Moller – Maersk's $5 billion infrastructure plan for India, which was announced earlier this year. The project will significantly enhance Pipavav's container, liquid, and ro-ro handling capacity.

Jon Goldner, Managing Director of APM Terminals Asia & Middle East, said the expansion aims to "unlock new opportunities for Gujarat, for India, and for global trade," calling Pipavav a model of "world-class efficiency and green growth."

The upgraded facilities are expected to create approximately 25,000 jobs, enhance multimodal connectivity with the dedicated freight corridor, and serve key industries such as automotive, energy, and agriculture.

Together, the new commitments from DP World and APM Terminals highlight the accelerating pace of port investment in India, coming in addition to other multi-billion dollar moves in the maritime sector, including a plan to add over 430 ships valued at $26 billion.

See more: