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The investment promises pledged amid the euphoria at a maritime event in Mumbai this week have the potential to transform India’s shipping and logistics landscape into one of the top markets, say government and industry sources.
And there had been some tangible investment gains for India ahead of the summit, including a shipbuilding contract awarded by CMA CGM for six dual-fuel LNG ships to Cochin Shipyard, several vessel reflaggings to the local registry, and a Maersk announcement of an early-2026 deal with CSL.
“Maersk is intending to significantly expand its operational footprint in the country through port infrastructure investments, vessel reflagging, and enhanced local partnerships across the maritime value chain,” said the Danish group.
At the event, Maersk pledged some $2bn of investment in infrastructure upgrades at sister firm APM Terminals Pipavav, as it attempts to secure an extension of concession rights expiring in 2028.
“Subject to a long-term concession agreement with Indian authorities, the expansion will significantly enhance the port’s capacity and capabilities with state-of-the-art container and liquid cargo handling infrastructure, while strengthening multimodal connectivity with the dedicated freight corridor and the national hinterland,” it said.
Other Maersk plans include local container manufacturing partnerships. Ahmed Hassan, head of asset strategy, said: “India possesses significant infrastructure capabilities on which Maersk wishes to capitalise.
“By flagging vessels under the Indian flag, manufacturing seaworthy containers in India and engaging local yards for maintenance and repair work, we’re not just expanding our operational flexibility; we’re investing in the development of India’s maritime ecosystem and demonstrating our belief in the country’s technical capabilities.”
DP World is another global giant looking to increase its Indian presence via local partner authorities, including an agreement by subsidiary Drydocks World with Cochin Shipyard to “evaluate and develop India’s first ship repair cluster”. This builds on DP World’s container terminal operations at Cochin port, Vallarpadam.
Drydocks CEO Rado Anotolovic said: “By bringing together Drydocks World’s international expertise and CSL’s deep local experience, we are developing an advanced ship repair ecosystem built on efficiency, sustainability and innovation.”
Abu Dhabi Ports (AD Ports) also unveiled new plans for India, offering to invest up to some $2bn in building diversified interests, including shipbuilding, shipbreaking, water transport and port infrastructure, in Maharashtra state.
The five-day widely publicised maritime event also saw a barrage of MoUs from other domestic and international groups and authorities, including Adani Group, which committed to investing some $6bn in the development of Vadhavan port, a green-field site selected as a new hub on India’s west coast, some 120 nautical miles from Nhava Sheva.
Other prominent collaborations incude an MoU between two homegrown dock yards, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Swan Defence & Heavy Industries, as well as Mumbai-based JM Baxi Group’s push to diversify into ship recycling, ship repair and luxury cruise services, with a planned spend of over $1bn.
“India’s ports are now counted among the most efficient in the developing world, and in many cases, are outperforming ports in the developed world,” prime minister Narendra Modi claimed at the event.
“When the global seas are rough, the world looks for a steady lighthouse, India is well poised to play that role with strength and stability.”
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