Inside DP World's push for automation and AI in Indian port operations

From automated terminals to Al-driven predictive systems and IoT-enabled port operations, technology is transforming India's maritime logistics landscape.

- 

DP World operates one of India's most automated terminals. What operational lessons have emerged from this experience, and how are you preparing for the challenges of rising capacity demand and the arrival of larger vessels?

Automation delivers real value only when embedded within a port-led ecosystem and enhances ease of doing business for our direct and indirect customers. By integrating multimodal networks across sea, rail and road, we've created seamless, safer, and more efficient supply chains. Automation assists in predicting future trends that help in tactical and strategic decision-making ahead of time to cater to constantly changing business demands. It has also made our operations safer, enabled advanced workforce training, and reduced waste, making processes leaner and more efficient.

As part of our commitment to trade, we are expanding capacity through broader infrastructure upgrades. New equipment at Mundra and Cochin, together with the upcoming Tuna Tekra terminal, will increase our combined capacity from approximately 6 million TEUs to 8.19 million TEUs.

How is DP World applying emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, and GenAI within its Indian operations to drive efficiency and resilience across ports and terminals?

Globally, AI-driven supply chain solutions have led to rapid data processing, accurate trend prediction, and automation of repetitive tasks, thus improving efficiency by nearly 40%. The Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) uses AI-driven predictive analytics for multimodal route optimisation. We use AI and IoT to make ports smarter and safer—optimising terminal planning and operations, monitoring equipment in real time, and detecting safety breaches instantly.