DCM Shriram Delivers India’s First Locally Manufactured EXIM Shipping Container to Maersk

India has achieved a significant milestone in its manufacturing and maritime logistics journey with DCM Shriram Group delivering the country’s first locally manufactured export-import (EXIM) shipping container to global shipping and logistics company Maersk. The landmark delivery represents a major step towards reducing India’s dependence on imported shipping containers while strengthening the nation’s position in global supply chains.

The first container was formally handed over at the Maersk and CONCOR Inland Container Depot in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, in the presence of Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. The achievement follows more than a year of collaboration between Maersk, DCM Shriram Group and the Government of India to establish world-class container manufacturing capabilities within the country.

Following the successful delivery, Maersk has placed an additional order for 1,000 shipping containers, signalling confidence in India’s growing manufacturing capabilities and the quality standards achieved by domestic producers. The new order is expected to support the expansion of India’s container manufacturing ecosystem while creating fresh opportunities for local suppliers and engineering industries.

The containers have been manufactured to meet stringent international quality requirements, including ISO specifications and the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC). Extensive structural testing, lifting, stacking and weatherproofing validations were completed before receiving final approval, ensuring the containers meet global operational standards.

The development also aligns with the Government of India’s broader vision of promoting domestic manufacturing under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Policy measures, including proposed production-linked incentives for container manufacturing, are expected to further improve India’s competitiveness in the global shipping equipment market.

Industry experts believe the successful commercial partnership between DCM Shriram Group and Maersk could encourage additional global shipping lines to source containers from India. As manufacturing capacity expands and investments continue, India is well positioned to emerge as an important hub for high-quality shipping container production, supporting international trade, exports and long-term growth in the country’s maritime sector.