Cochin Port is poised for a major facelift with the inking of a crucial MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) , which is operated by DP World, and Cochin Port Authority (CoPA) to transform the overall cargo handling and marine infrastructure of the port into one of the best in the world.
The deal, inked recently during the India Maritime Week 2025, is in tune with the Central Government’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to modernize India’s ports.
Key Developments and Impact
This partnership’s main focus is to enable Cochin Port to handle the next generation of gigantic container vessels, or Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).
Channel Deepening: The Cochin Port Authority has committed to an important infrastructure project of deepening the terminal channel from 14.5 meters to 16 meters. This work is expected to be completed by July 2026 and is essential in attracting ULCVs and major mainline calls.
Capacity Increase: DP World will improve the terminal’s landside facilities, which involves upgrading cargo handling equipment, expanding the yard space, and improving the general operational capacity. These steps build on DP World’s previous investments that already boosted the terminal’s annual capacity to approximately 1.4 million TEUs.
Logistics growth: The modernized terminal will allow larger vessels to berth, opening up new possibilities of trade and logistics for Kerala and the surrounding southern hinterland. This will also help reduce India’s reliance on foreign transshipment hubs like Colombo, thereby saving time and reducing costs of Indian businesses.
This MoU is part of DP World’s larger commitment to the Indian maritime sector, which includes a recent pledge of a $5 billion investment in the country. For DP World and Cochin Port Authority, this deal is an important step in transforming maritime and logistics capabilities in Kerala State, in keeping with India’s leadership vision in world trade.
Officials from both organizations said that the modernization efforts will boost regional efficiency and drive port-led industrial growth, marking a “new chapter in Cochin Port’s modernisation and maritime capabilities.”