DP World welcomes 2 newly-built vessels to its marine services fleet

DP World welcomed two newly built vessels to its marine services fleet, further strengthening its commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.

The newbuild vessels, Navios Utmost and Navios Unite were officially named at a naming ceremony at the Changhong shipyard in Zhoushan, China. They will join the Unifeeder fleet as part of a fleet renewal plan to deploy more efficient vessels as the company continues to test alternative fuels and monitor the availability of fuel supplies.

Both are Sapphire 5300 compact gearless container vessels, which feature cutting-edge maritime technologies designed to enhance cargo handling efficiency, reduce operational costs and contribute to a more sustainable maritime industry.

The vessel’s hull optimisation and energy-saving technologies are also designed to maximise fuel efficiency and minimise their carbon footprint. For example, the Navios Utmost is expected to save approximately 1,700 metric tonnes of bunker fuel annually, leading to 15 per cent to 20 per cent reduction in its carbon emissions for its intended routes.

The compact design also allows for greater manoeuvrability and access to smaller ports, including inland terminals, opening new opportunities to expand supply chain networks.

The Navios Utmost will be integrated into Unifeeder’s Far East Madras Express Service (FME), while the Navios Unite will join our Asian Gulf India Service (AGI).

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “Investing in these state-of-the-art vessels underlines DP World’s unwavering commitment to driving sustainability and operational efficiency across the global maritime sector. By integrating advanced technologies, we are reducing our environmental impact while enhancing the flexibility and reliability of our services. These vessels are a significant step forward in our efforts to reshape the future of global trade, ensuring it remains resilient and sustainable.”

Ganesh Raj, Global Chief Operating Officer, Marine Services, remarked, “Our extensive network provides a vital link in regional and global supply chains, offering easy access to satellite ports. The addition of these new vessels enhances our ability to deliver flexible, reliable services that meet the evolving needs of our customers. This investment strengthens our operational capabilities and reinforces our commitment to delivering value through an agile, efficient fleet.

Looking ahead, we remain focused on continuous innovation and investment to ensure the seamless flow of global trade.”

The vessels are part of DP World Marine Services’ broader commitment to continually upgrading its fleet to ensure efficient and sustainable operations to support the growth of trade across the regions it serves. This year, Unifeeder Group completed long-term charter agreements for methanol-capable feeder vessels.

Other recent initiatives include a strategic collaboration with MPC Container Ships ASA to invest in Energy Efficiency Technology, as well as the launch of ‘GreenBox’, a new carbon insetting solution to decarbonise the seaborne sections of customers’ supply chains.

Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world’s trade flow better, changing what’s possible for the customers and communities we serve globally.

With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 115,000 employees from 160 nationalities, spanning 78 countries on six continents, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain that’s fit for the future.

We’re rapidly transforming and integrating our businesses -- Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology – and uniting our global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades.

What’s more, we’re reshaping the future by investing in innovation.

From intelligent delivery systems to automated warehouse stacking, we’re at the cutting edge of disruptive technology, pushing the sector towards better ways to trade, minimising disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

Unifeeder Group is a dynamic logistics company, covering Europe, Africa, Asia & Latin America. We operate more than 150 vessels and make the way for more than 5.5 million containers every year.

Unifeeder simplifies the complex tasks of choosing and managing supply chains by providing efficient and sustainable transport solutions.

By expanding the network, coming up with innovative solutions and being agile in day-to-day operations, we enable our customers to concentrate on their core business while we make their cargo flow.

Within DP World, the Unifeeder Group forms part of the business pillar; DP World Marine Services.