Unifeeder, SMFCL Partner to Promote Green Coastal Shipping in India
30 Oct 2025 CW Team
Unifeeder, a DP World company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sagarmala Finance Corporation (SMFCL), a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, to develop and scale sustainable coastal and shortsea shipping services across India.
The partnership aligns public sector financing with private sector operational expertise to strengthen India’s multimodal logistics ecosystem and advance its low-carbon maritime vision. SMFCL will leverage its Maritime Development Fund to design low-cost financing and credit-enhancement instruments, while Unifeeder will provide operational expertise, multimodal infrastructure, and digital capabilities.
The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, between Mr. Ganesh Raj, Global COO – Marine Services, DP World, and Shri S. T. Selvam, Director (Projects), SMFCL, during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai.
Shri S. T. Selvam, Director (Projects), SMFCL, said: “This partnership represents a pivotal step towards building a sustainable coastal shipping ecosystem for India. By combining Sagarmala Finance Corporation’s financial innovation with Unifeeder’s operational scale and expertise, we aim to deliver efficient, low-emission shipping solutions that complement national priorities under Sagarmala and Gati Shakti.”
Ganesh Raj, Global COO, Marine Services, DP World, added: “Through Unifeeder, DP World is partnering with Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited to further advance India’s vision for sustainable and resilient maritime logistics. This collaboration reflects our commitment to enabling Viksit Bharat 2047 through co-creation of cleaner, smarter trade corridors.”
The partnership supports India’s Sagarmala Programme, PM Gati Shakti, and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aiming to promote modal shift from road to sea, reduce emissions, and enhance port-hinterland connectivity through green maritime infrastructure.