The logistics giant signed an MoU with Gujarat Maritime Board for the major port expansion while also establishing new partnerships with Indian shipyards and exploring local container manufacturing opportunities
AP Moller-Maersk has announced a series of strategic initiatives reinforcing its long-term commitment to India’s maritime sector.
At India Maritime Week 2025, the logistics group said it 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.
APM Terminals Pipavav (Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited), part of Maersk, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gujarat Maritime Board outlining a proposed expansion with an investment scope of US$2bn.
Subject to a long-term concession agreement with Indian authorities, the expansion is designed to 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.
”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, APM Terminals Asia and Middle East.
”Supporting the honourable prime minister Shri Modiji’s vision, we are building the capacity, resilience, and sustainability needed to serve India’s economy for decades to come.
”Our goal is to make Pipavav a model of world-class efficiency and green growth, while creating lasting prosperity for local communities and strengthening India’s leadership in maritime trade,” Goldner noted.
Maersk has registered a new legal entity, Maersk Bharat IFSC Pvt. Ltd., at GIFT City IFSCA, Gujarat and flagged two vessels – Maersk Vigo and Maersk Vilnius – under the Indian flag, marking a milestone in the company’s engagement with India’s maritime sector.
“This initiative aligns with the growing importance of domestic tonnage for supply chain resilience,” Maersk noted,
The company said it is also deepening its collaborations with Indian shipyards for vessel repair and maintenance activities.
Multiple MoUs have been signed with different yards to explore repair, maintenance, and new-building opportunities, establish capabilities that meet international operational standards, and create opportunities for knowledge transfer and skill development.
Additionally, Maersk is exploring local manufacturing and the procurement of containers from Indian companies, working closely with partners to share technical specifications and quality requirements for procuring seaworthy containers, with the aim of establishing a robust domestic production roadmap.
”India possesses significant infrastructure capabilities that Maersk wishes to capitalise on,” said Ahmed Hassan, head of asset strategy at Maersk.
”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.”
