At the 65th anniversary celebration of the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) in Mumbai, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasized the company’s pivotal role in enhancing India’s shipbuilding and fleet capacity, aligning with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 goals. He acknowledged SCI’s contributions to national energy and trade security, particularly during the recent Strait of Hormuz crisis, and urged a stronger Indian-owned fleet to support the government’s objectives of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Sonowal described SCI as a testament to India’s maritime strength, stating that the company’s workforce and industry partnerships are crucial for achieving shipbuilding ambitions. He noted a shift in India’s maritime strategy towards boosting domestic ship construction, with SCI’s fleet expansion anticipated to play an instrumental role.
Founded in 1961 with 19 vessels, SCI has significantly grown to operate 58 vessels, totaling a capacity of 5.26 million DWT. The company has diversified into various sectors, including crude tankers, offshore services, and ship management.
During the event, SCI Chairman Capt. B.K. Tyagi presented plans for fleet expansion supported by government initiatives, highlighting joint ventures and new shipping lines aimed at furthering India’s maritime goals.
