Unifeeder, Sagarmala Finance Corp partner to promote green shipping
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem (Second from left), Sarbananda Sonowal (Second from right)
Unifeeder, a DP World company, and the Sagarmala Finance Corporation (SMFCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 29, to develop and scale commercially sustainable coastal and short-sea shipping services across the country.
The partnership is designed to merge public sector financing with private sector operational expertise. According to a press release, the collaboration seeks to drive greener, more efficient coastal logistics and accelerate India’s maritime transformation.
The MoU establishes a framework for joint action to design and finance strategic coastal shipping corridors. This initiative directly supports India’s broader ambitions to decongest national highways, lower overall logistics costs, and decarbonise the transportation sector.
Under the agreement, SMFCL will utilise its maritime development fund to create low-cost financing and credit-enhancement instruments. In parallel, Unifeeder will contribute its extensive operational expertise, multimodal infrastructure, and advanced digital capabilities to ensure the projects are commercially viable and efficient.
S. T. Selvam, Director (Projects) at Sagarmala Finance Corporation said, “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.”
In its initial phase, the two entities will jointly evaluate and spearhead key use cases focusing on operational excellence, new shipping corridors, and integration with Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs). The initiative will also align with national green shipping programmes.
The ultimate objective is to create a scalable model that facilitates a significant shift of cargo from road to sea, reducing emissions and enhancing multimodal connectivity throughout India's supply chains.
The MoU was signed in the presence of the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World at India Maritime week in Mumbai.
