New DP World Indus vessel to boost cargo movement between 14 Indian ports.
Dubai: DP World has expanded its coastal shipping network in India with the addition of DP World Indus, a container vessel with a capacity of more than 2,500 TEUs, providing exporters, manufacturers and cargo owners with an enhanced option for transporting goods between major Indian ports.
The vessel will support domestic coastal trade across India while strengthening DP World’s Shipping Solutions business, which currently operates a coastal network connecting 14 ports across the country.
The company said the new vessel will increase cargo movement by sea, helping reduce congestion on road networks while providing businesses with a more reliable and efficient alternative to long-distance road transport.
India coastal network expands
DP World’s coastal shipping business in India now operates a dedicated fleet of 10 vessels. In 2025, the company handled more than 473,000 TEUs through its coastal shipping operations.
The addition of DP World Indus comes as India accelerates efforts to expand maritime transport under its Maritime Vision 2030, with coastal shipping playing a key role in improving cargo movement, reducing emissions and strengthening links between major manufacturing, industrial and consumption hubs.
The vessel’s maiden call at Jeddah South Container Terminal, which is operated by DP World, also strengthens integration between the company’s marine services operations and its global ports business.
Coastal shipping is expected to play an increasingly important role in India’s multimodal transport network, offering businesses a cost-effective and reliable option for moving cargo over long distances while helping improve supply chain efficiency.
India maritime push
DP World said the acquisition is part of its broader strategy to strengthen India’s trade and logistics ecosystem through continued investments in maritime infrastructure, ports, logistics services and integrated supply chain solutions.
The company’s report on India’s ship registry outlines recommendations aimed at improving governance, introducing commercial incentives, expanding international engagement and accelerating green transition initiatives. According to DP World, these measures could help make the Indian flag a more competitive and trusted choice for global maritime operations.
Last year, DP World’s Shipping Solutions business also signed an agreement with Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited, a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, to develop and expand sustainable coastal and short-sea shipping services across the country.
