Dadri: Global shipping company A.P. Moller – Maersk has placed a fresh order for 1,000 India-manufactured export-import (EXIM) shipping containers, signalling growing confidence in India’s emerging container manufacturing sector.
The announcement was made during the unveiling of the first India-manufactured EXIM shipping container for Maersk at the Maersk-CONCOR Inland Container Depot in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh. The event was attended by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.
Fresh order strengthens India’s manufacturing ambitions
According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Maersk placed an order for 1,000 additional India-made shipping containers with the DCM Shriram Group during the event.
The ministry described the order as a strong endorsement of India’s growing container manufacturing ecosystem and said it marks the beginning of a long-term commercial partnership between Maersk and the Indian manufacturer.
Officials said the development is expected to strengthen India’s role in the global maritime value chain while boosting domestic manufacturing capabilities.
First India-made EXIM container unveiled
The event also marked the unveiling of the first export-import shipping container manufactured in India for Maersk.
The ministry said the rollout demonstrates India’s ability to produce internationally compliant shipping containers for one of the world’s largest logistics companies.
The milestone is being viewed as a significant step towards reducing India’s dependence on imported shipping containers and expanding the country’s presence in the global logistics and maritime sectors.
Initiative linked to PM Modi’s vision
According to the ministry, the latest development follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s meeting with Robert Maersk Uggla in February 2025.
During the interaction, the Prime Minister had encouraged Maersk to support the development of world-class container manufacturing in India.
The ministry noted that within 16 months, the discussions had translated into the successful production of India’s first internationally procured, domestically manufactured EXIM shipping container for the global shipping company.
Sonowal highlights Atmanirbhar Bharat vision
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Sarbananda Sonowal said India is rapidly emerging as a trusted global manufacturing and maritime hub under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
He described the launch of the first India-manufactured EXIM container for a leading global shipping line as a defining milestone in the country’s journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.
According to the minister, the project reflects increasing global confidence in India’s manufacturing capabilities and the government’s continued investment in world-class maritime infrastructure.
Boost for India’s maritime sector
Industry experts believe the order could encourage additional investments in India’s shipping container manufacturing industry.
As global supply chains continue to diversify, domestic production of shipping containers is expected to improve logistics resilience, generate employment and enhance India’s export competitiveness.
The collaboration with Maersk is also likely to strengthen India’s position as an important manufacturing destination within the international maritime ecosystem.
Conclusion
Maersk’s fresh order for 1,000 India-made shipping containers marks an important milestone for India’s manufacturing and maritime industries. Along with the unveiling of the country’s first domestically manufactured EXIM container for the global shipping giant, the development highlights growing international confidence in India’s industrial capabilities and supports the government’s vision of building a self-reliant maritime sector.