A.P. Moller-Maersk announced a series of strategic initiatives to expand its operational footprint in India during India Maritime Week 2025. These initiatives focus on port infrastructure investments, ship flagging, and strengthening local partnerships.
APM Terminals Pipavav signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Gujarat Maritime Board outlining a comprehensive expansion proposal involving a $2 billion investment. Subject to a long-term concession agreement with the Indian authorities, the expansion will increase the port’s capacity and capabilities in container and liquid cargo handling infrastructure, while also strengthening the multimodal connection with the Dedicated Freight Corridor and the national hinterland.
Jon Goldner, CEO of APM Terminals Asia and Middle East, said, “This investment plan is not just about expanding Pipavav Port; it is about creating new opportunities for Gujarat, India, and global trade. By supporting the vision of Honorable Prime Minister Shri Modiji, we are building the necessary capacity, resilience, and sustainability to serve the Indian economy for the coming decades.”
Maersk has registered a new legal entity named Maersk Bharat IFSC Pvt. Ltd. in GIFT City IFSCA in Gujarat and has flagged two ships, the Maersk Vigo and Maersk Vilnius, to the Indian flag. This step was taken in line with the increasing importance of domestic tonnage for supply chain resilience.
The company is deepening collaboration with Indian shipyards for ship repair and maintenance activities. Several memoranda of understanding have been signed with various shipyards to explore repair, maintenance, and new shipbuilding opportunities, build capabilities meeting international operational standards, and create opportunities for knowledge transfer and skill development.
Maersk is also exploring local manufacturing and sourcing containers from Indian companies, in close collaboration with partners to share technical specifications and quality requirements for supplying marine containers, with the aim of creating a domestic manufacturing roadmap.
Ahmed Hassan, Head of Asset Strategy at A.P. Moller – Maersk, said, “India has significant infrastructure capabilities that Maersk wants to leverage. By sailing ships under the Indian flag, manufacturing seaworthy containers in India, and working with local shipyards for maintenance and repair jobs, we are not only expanding our operational flexibility; we are investing in the development of India’s maritime ecosystem and demonstrating our belief in the country’s technical capabilities.”
These initiatives align with India’s Maritime Vision 2030, which envisages an estimated investment of 1.25 trillion rupees to develop world-class mega ports and transshipment hubs and modernize infrastructure.
CMA CGM has also demonstrated its commitment to India’s maritime sector by signing a Letter of Intent with Cochin Shipyard Limited to build six dual-fuel LNG container ships in India. This marks the first time a major international container shipping company has ordered LNG ships from an Indian shipyard. Each ship will have a capacity of 1,700 TEU and will be registered under the Indian flag. Deliveries are planned between 2029 and 2031.
Approximately 95% of India’s trade volume and about 70% of its value passes through the country’s sea routes. Launched in 2021, the Maritime India Vision 2030 includes over 150 strategic initiatives to modernize ports, expand shipping capacity, and strengthen inland waterways.
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