Global logistics major DP World has announced two landmark collaborations at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, focused on modernising India’s port infrastructure and strengthening its maritime workforce.

The first agreement, signed between DP World, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), and European deep-tech firm Nevomo, introduces India’s first magnetic propulsion system for automated cargo movement at Deendayal Port.

The second — a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Drydocks World (a DP World company), Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), and the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS) — aims to build a world-class maritime workforce equipped with advanced shipbuilding and ship repair skills.

Both agreements were formalised in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World.

Under the first collaboration, DP World will implement Nevomo’s proprietary MagRail Booster technology to automate and decarbonise cargo operations at Deendayal Port. The pilot project will feature a 750-metre MagRail Booster track, demonstrating self-propelled, rail-based cargo transfers using existing infrastructure.

The initiative will eliminate the need for conventional locomotives, increase cargo throughput, and enhance operational safety. A strategic feasibility study will also examine the potential for large-scale adoption of MagRail technology across Indian ports, in line with the PM GatiShakti Master Plan and Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines.

Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman, Deendayal Port Authority, said: “This partnership marks an important milestone in Deendayal Port’s journey towards technological modernisation and sustainable growth. The MagRail system will redefine operational efficiency in port logistics.”

Yuvraj Narayan, Deputy CEO and CFO of DP World, added: “This collaboration reimagines how cargo moves within Indian ports. It sets a benchmark for future port modernisation — transforming innovation into a scalable, greener infrastructure model.”

Harjinder (Harj) Dhaliwal, Acting CEO of Nevomo, said: “We are proud to bring MagRail technology to one of the world’s most dynamic logistics markets in partnership with DP World and Deendayal Port.”

In a parallel development, Drydocks World, Cochin Shipyard Limited, and CEMS signed a tripartite MoU to jointly develop a globally competitive maritime workforce. The initiative will provide annual training programmes across key shipbuilding and ship repair domains, combining theoretical instruction and hands-on learning at CSL, CEMS, and Drydocks World facilities.

The partnership seeks to align India’s maritime training standards with global benchmarks, improve employment opportunities for certified professionals, and support the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Capt. Rado Antolovic, PhD, CEO of Drydocks World, said: “Developing the next generation of maritime professionals is critical to sustaining the future of global shipbuilding. This partnership enables skill excellence and global readiness.”

Madhu S. Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard Limited, stated: “By integrating advanced training infrastructure with international best practices, we aim to create a skilled workforce for domestic and global shipbuilding and repair markets.”

Arun Sharma, Chairman of CEMS, added: “Our collaboration will deliver immersive, hands-on training programmes that empower youth with globally benchmarked maritime capabilities.”

Together, these strategic partnerships position India as a frontrunner in green port innovation and maritime skill development, reinforcing the nation’s role in the global blue economy.