The partnership will accelerate sustainable coastal and shortsea shipping, strengthen India’s multimodal logistics ecosystem
Unifeeder, a DP World company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), a Government of India Enterprise under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to collaborate on developing and scaling commercially sustainable coastal and shortsea shipping services across India.
By aligning public sector financing with private sector operational expertise, the partnership aims to drive greener, more efficient coastal logistics and accelerate India’s maritime transformation.
The MoU established a framework for joint action to design and finance coastal shipping corridors that support India’s ambitions to decongest roads, lower logistics costs, and decarbonize transportation.
Low-cost financing
SMFCL will utilize its Maritime Development Fund to design low-cost financing and credit-enhancement instruments, while Unifeeder will contribute its operational expertise, multimodal infrastructure, and digital capabilities.
The MoU was exchanged in the presence of the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, and HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DP World, between Ganesh Raj, Global COO–Marine Services, DP World, and ST Selvam, Director (Projects), Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited, during the recently concluded India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai.
New opportunities
“Together, we are unlocking new opportunities for coastal connectivity, strengthening port-hinterland integration, and driving investment in green maritime infrastructure,” commented Selvam.
“By piloting the combination of innovative financing and green shipping solutions, the aim is to help reduce logistics costs, accelerate modal shift to sea, and enhance India’s position as a global leader in maritime transformation,” noted Raj.
