DP World: Regional Shipping Routes Gain Importance Amid Trade Shifts
Geopolitical conflicts, climate risks and the relocation of manufacturing are reshaping global trade flows. According to DP World, these developments are increasing the need for more flexible transport networks and raising the importance of regional shipping routes.
In its recent white paper, Navigating the Future of Maritime Trade, DP World’s Marine Services division argues that trade disruptions are no longer temporary events. Instead, tariffs, changing trade policies and shifts in manufacturing locations are creating long-term structural changes in global supply chains.
Feeder and Short-Sea Services Becoming More Important
DP World believes feeder, coastal and short-sea shipping services will play a growing role in connecting emerging production hubs and regional ports to major international trade routes. Combined with rail, road and inland waterway transport, these services can provide alternative logistics options when established corridors face disruption.
“A key component is the optimisation of what we refer to as Connected Trade Corridors,” said Ganesh Raj, Global COO Marine Services at DP World. The concept focuses on linking ports, maritime services and hinterland logistics to create flexible routing options when market conditions change.
Manufacturing Shifts Drive New Trade Routes
The white paper highlights how global manufacturing is becoming more geographically diversified. Regions including India, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa are taking on larger roles in global production, generating demand for new regional shipping connections.
DP World points to strong growth in trade between developing economies as evidence of this trend. Exports between these markets increased from approximately USD 500 billion in 1995 to USD 8.8 trillion in 2025, with more than half now destined for other developing countries.
Companies Remain Optimistic
Despite ongoing disruptions, businesses remain confident about future trade growth. DP World’s Global Trade Observatory 2026 surveyed more than 3,500 supply chain and logistics executives. Of those surveyed, 94% expect global trade growth in 2026 to match or exceed the previous year.
DP World views these findings as evidence that globalisation is not retreating but undergoing a significant realignment. The company supports global trade through a network of more than 200 ports across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas, backed by a fleet of more than 500 vessels.
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Photo credit: According to DP World, feeder and short-sea services are becoming increasingly important in connecting regional ports to global trade routes (© DP World)
