DP World has expanded its fleet with the acquisition of a 5,000 TEU vessel, DP World Chennai, deployed on its Red Sea-Gulf-India service to strengthen cargo links between India and Middle Eastern markets. The ship's maiden call at Jebel Ali increases the group's controlled capacity to more than 6 million TEU, reported Mumbai's Maritime Gateway.

Ganesh Raj, Global COO, Marine Services, said the move is aimed at enhancing flexibility and service certainty rather than pure capacity growth. He noted that shippers are increasingly focused on dependable services, and the addition of proprietary tonnage allows DP World to fine-tune schedules and maintain regular connections between regional ports.

The acquisition forms part of a broader strategy to build a diversified logistics network combining owned vessels, capital investment and integration of port and marine services. With trade volumes across the Red Sea, Gulf and India continuing to rise, DP World said it is prioritising service consistency and planning visibility to meet evolving supply chain needs.

Alongside the new ship, DP World plans to invest about US$5 billion in India's trade infrastructure over the coming years, covering ports, inland logistics and related assets. Its Shipping Solutions arm has also signed a memorandum of understanding with India's Sagarmala Finance Corporation to develop sustainable coastal and shortsea shipping services.