New Delhi, July 11, 2025 – Two major Cypriot shipping companies, Interorient Navigation Co Ltd and Denmark-based Danship & Partners Ltd, today announced a landmark investment of ₹10,000 crore in India’s maritime sector. This investment—confirmed as the single largest FDI in Indian shipping since the sector was opened to 100% foreign ownership in 2005—will fund the acquisition of new vessels, all to be registered under the Indian flag. Company leaders say this move will significantly expand India’s shipping tonnage, retain freight revenues within the country, create employment for cadets and seafarers, and drive the East–West maritime logistics strategy forward. The announcement came shortly after Prime Minister Modi’s bilateral discussions in Cyprus, during which maritime cooperation was underlined as a key area for collaboration .
Industry experts say the investment aligns closely with India’s Sagarmala and Maritime India Vision 2030 initiatives, which aim to modernize port infrastructure and transform the nation into a global shipping hub. By keeping EXIM freight earnings onshore, the initiative is expected to strengthen economic security and support India’s ambitions under the Atmanirbhar Bharat agenda. Interorient—managing over 100 vessels globally—and Danship, a provider of shipbroking and maritime services, both signalled intentions to become leading players in the Indian maritime domain.
