Maersk has unveiled a sweeping plan to expand its presence in India, pledging $2 billion (₹17,000 crore) in port infrastructure, fleet localization, and supply chain development. The announcement came during India Maritime Week 2025, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to strengthening India’s role in global trade.

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Pipavav Expansion to Anchor Growth

At the center of the strategy is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between APM Terminals Pipavav and the Gujarat Maritime Board to expand Pipavav Port. The proposed investment, contingent on a long-term concession agreement, will significantly enhance the port’s capacity to handle both containerized and liquid cargo, while improving multimodal connectivity with India’s Dedicated Freight Corridor and national logistics network.

“This investment plan is not just about expanding Pipavav Port; it’s about unlocking new opportunities for Gujarat, for India, and for global trade,” said Jon Goldner, Chief Executive of APM Terminals Asia & Middle East. “In line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision, we are building capacity, resilience, and sustainability to serve India’s economy for decades to come.”

Strengthening India’s Maritime Ecosystem

As part of its localization drive, Maersk has registered Maersk Bharat IFSC Pvt. Ltd. at GIFT City IFSCA, Gujarat, and reflagged two vessels — Maersk Vigo and Maersk Vilnius — under the Indian flag. The move aligns with India’s push to grow its domestic fleet and bolster supply chain resilience.

Maersk is also deepening its collaboration with Indian shipyards for repair, maintenance, and newbuilding work. The company has signed multiple MoUs to support technical capability development, knowledge transfer, and skill-building in alignment with international operational standards.

Investing in Local Manufacturing and Innovation

In a bid to promote domestic manufacturing, Maersk is exploring container production partnerships with Indian firms. The company is sharing its technical specifications to help local manufacturers meet global quality benchmarks and build a roadmap for “Made in India” seaworthy containers.

“India possesses significant infrastructure capabilities that Maersk wishes to capitalize on,” said Ahmed Hassan, Head of Asset Strategy at A.P. Moller – Maersk. “By flagging vessels in India, manufacturing containers locally, and engaging Indian shipyards for maintenance, we are investing in India’s maritime ecosystem and showcasing our confidence in its technical talent.”

Alignment with India’s Maritime Vision 2030

The initiatives reinforce the objectives of Maritime India Vision 2030, a national roadmap aimed at developing world-class mega ports, modern transshipment hubs, and upgraded maritime infrastructure through investments exceeding ₹1.25 trillion.

Maersk’s commitment comes amid growing international participation in India’s maritime expansion. CMA CGM, another global leader in container shipping, recently signed a Letter of Intent with Cochin Shipyard Limited to build six dual-fuel LNG containerships — the first such order placed by a major international carrier with an Indian shipyard. Each 1,700-TEU vessel will be Indian-flagged, with deliveries expected between 2029 and 2031.

Building a Maritime Powerhouse

With 95% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value moving through its maritime routes, India’s ports play a critical role in the global logistics network. The combined efforts of Maersk, CMA CGM, and domestic stakeholders signal a new phase in India’s emergence as a maritime manufacturing and logistics powerhouse, positioning the country at the heart of resilient, low-carbon global trade routes.