Maersk plans $7 billion India investment pipeline, eyes shipbuilding, repair ecosystem | THE WEEK Maritime Conclave
Maersk's investment, supported by favourable government policies, highlights India's growing importance in Maersk's global operations and the broader shipping industry
Maersk is significantly expanding its presence in India, earmarking nearly $7 billion for investments across ports, logistics, maritime manufacturing, and human-capital development. This strategic move is driven by India's growing importance in Maersk's global growth plans, supported by favorable government policies and the development of the Indian maritime sector. The investment will enhance port infrastructure, including a substantial allocation for Pipavav port, and foster domestic manufacturing capabilities
Maersk is significantly expanding its presence in India, earmarking nearly $7 billion for investments across ports, logistics, maritime manufacturing, and human-capital development. This strategic move is driven by India's growing importance in Maersk's global growth plans, supported by favorable government policies and the development of the Indian maritime sector. The investment will enhance port infrastructure, including a substantial allocation for Pipavav port, and foster domestic manufacturing capabilities
Maersk is significantly expanding its presence in India, earmarking nearly $7 billion for investments across ports, logistics, maritime manufacturing, and human-capital development. This strategic move is driven by India's growing importance in Maersk's global growth plans, supported by favorable government policies and the development of the Indian maritime sector. The investment will enhance port infrastructure, including a substantial allocation for Pipavav port, and foster domestic manufacturing capabilities
India is emerging as a key market in Danish shipping and logistics giant Maersk's global growth strategy, with the company planning investments of nearly $7 billion across ports, terminals, logistics, maritime manufacturing and human-capital development.
Speaking at THE WEEK Maritime Conclave 2026 in Ahmedabad, Vivek Sharma, head of Business Development & Regulatory Affairs (India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka region), Maersk, said the company’s investment pipeline in India had been shaped around three broad pillars—port and logistics infrastructure, development of a domestic maritime manufacturing ecosystem, and building human capabilities for the sector.
The company is already expanding its port operations at Pipavav port, where it plans to invest more than $2 billion. The investment will cover not only the terminal but also land-side infrastructure to help funnel cargo into the port. Maersk is also evaluating several other terminal opportunities on both India’s eastern and western coasts.
“The policies that the government has come up with over the past few years have contributed significantly to our decision making,” he said.
Maersk has been doing business in India for more than a century. Its vessels began calling at Indian ports in 1921, beginning with the old Mumbai port. Sharma said India now accounts for 20 per cent of its global talent pool.
Maersk is also looking to expand its engagement with India’s maritime manufacturing sector, particularly in container manufacturing, shipbuilding, repair and dry docking. The executive said the company was seeking to diversify procurement and viewed India as a reliable location in which to develop new manufacturing capabilities.
Human-capital development is the third component of the company's India strategy. Maersk has long worked with educational institutions in the country and has supported maritime training and simulation facilities. It has also committed more than $2 million towards a simulation centre in India.
In Gujarat, the company is developing a centre of excellence with Gujarat Maritime University, scheduled for inauguration in November. The facility will focus on data analytics and virtual-reality applications for shipping and terminal operations, as well as other applications such as dispute resolution.
Maersk is also preparing to begin repairing and maintaining its vessels in India from October. The move, Sharma said, reflects the significant development of Indian shipyards over the past three to four years.
“For us, there is a lot that India offers as an opportunity and we can work with India to make the most of that opportunity,” he said.