The Indian government’s new strategy to transform the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) into a strategic state carrier marks a departure from previous privatization efforts. With plans to enhance fleet capacity and partnerships through a Maritime Development Fund, the initiative aims to address declining profits and bolster India’s maritime needs.
Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI) plans to invite tenders for medium-range crude oil vessels soon, as announced by Chairman Capt. Binesh Kumar Tyagi. The initiative aims to reduce India’s dependency on foreign ships for crude imports, with a goal of acquiring 112 domestically owned crude oil carriers.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the gas carrier Shivalik at Visakhapatnam Port, marking its debut under the Indian flag. Acquired by the Shipping Corporation of India, the Shivalik enhances India’s LPG logistics. Sonowal emphasized this achievement within the context of the nation’s maritime ambitions and the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
The State-owned Shipping Corporation of India plans to acquire 26 domestically built ships worth ₹198.2 billion as part of a government initiative to bolster local shipbuilding. This move aims to enhance India’s shipping capacity, with a broader ambition to increase the share of locally built tankers significantly by 2047.
The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is enhancing its fleet by acquiring two second-hand Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs) with a capacity of 82,000 cubic meters each. This strategic move, formalized on July 4, 2025, aims to strengthen SCI’s tonnage and operational capabilities in response to growing market demands.
The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is launching a coastal container service connecting Kandla Port and VOC Port in Thoothukudi. This initiative will enhance coastal connectivity between Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, facilitating the transport of various commodities. The inaugural ship is set to arrive on June 16.
In a move to empower seafarers and promote inclusivity, Minister Shantanu Thakur launched two initiatives at SCI in Mumbai. “Sagar Mein Yog” focuses on wellness, while “Sagar Mein Samman” empowers female seafarers. These initiatives align with Maritime India Vision 2030, aiming to enhance seafarers’ physical and mental resilience for a stronger global presence.
The national airline’s board of directors has approved the acquisition of various ships until March 31, including a VLGC, MR tanker, container ship, PSV, and AHTSV. In 2020, the government began the process of privatizing the Shipping Corporation of India, but the sales process is not yet complete.
