New Delhi: Global shipping company AP Moller–Maersk has placed an order for 1,000 more shipping containers manufactured in India by DCM Shriram Group. The announcement came after the launch of the first export-import (EXIM) shipping container made in India for Maersk.
The first container was unveiled by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal at the Maersk-CONCOR Inland Container Depot in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh.
Partnership expected to grow over time
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the new order marks the beginning of a long-term business partnership between Maersk and DCM Shriram Group.
The ministry said the partnership is expected to strengthen India’s position in the global maritime supply chain while increasing the country’s role in container manufacturing.
In a separate statement, Maersk said this achievement is only the start of a long-term relationship. The company added that it plans to increase sourcing from India as local manufacturers continue to meet global quality standards at competitive prices.
Made to global quality standards
The ministry said the first India-made EXIM container has been built according to internationally accepted quality and safety standards, including ISO specifications and the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC).
This makes the containers suitable for use in international shipping operations across global trade routes.
Government backs domestic manufacturing
Speaking at the event, Sonowal said the launch of the first India-made EXIM container for a leading global shipping company is an important milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance.
He said the development reflects growing global confidence in India’s manufacturing capabilities and the country’s efforts to build world-class maritime infrastructure.
The initiative also supports the government’s ₹10,000 crore Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026. The scheme aims to reduce dependence on imported containers, support new and existing manufacturing units, encourage research and development, and make Indian container production globally competitive.
