Shipping plays a pivotal role in India’s economic development, serving as a vital link in global trade networks. It facilitates seamless exchange of goods and services, ensuring the steady flow of commodities between nations.
From agricultural products to industrial machinery, shipping enables the efficient movement of diverse goods such as petroleum, chemicals, textiles, and metals. Key trade partners like the United States, China, the Middle East, and Japan rely on India’s shipping expertise to maintain robust trade relationships.
This dynamic sector not only enhances India’s export capabilities but also bolsters diplomatic and economic ties, contributing significantly to the nation’s prosperity. Prominent shipping companies in India have earned global recognition for their reliability and performance, solidifying India’s position in the maritime industry.
How India is Encouraging Shipping Sector to Boom?
India is one of the leading players in the international shipping industry, with a significant presence in both bulk and container shipping. The country’s major ports, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, handle a large volume of international trade. The government has taken several steps to improve the infrastructure at these ports and attract foreign investment.
The Indian government has also introduced several policy measures to promote the growth of the shipping industry in the country, such as allowing 100% FDI in the sector and introducing tax incentives for shipping companies. India has also signed several international agreements to enhance cooperation in the shipping industry, such as the Memorandum of Understanding with Japan for the development of the Indian Ocean region
Top 20 Best Shipping Companies in India
Please Note, below rankings is not based on any metric and are purely based on their Market value, reputation and Gross Tonnage transported.
1. Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)
The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is a government-owned company and the largest shipping company in India. It was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in Mumbai. SCI operates both in the domestic and international shipping markets, with a focus on the transportation of crude oil, petroleum products, and containers.
SCI’s revenues for the fiscal year 2020-2021 were INR 7,923.76 crore (approx. $1.08 billion) and the company has a net worth of INR 1,947.43 crore (approx. $263 million). The company has been profitable in recent years, and it has been paying dividends to its shareholders.
Its headquarters is incorporated in Corporate Centre, Madame Cama Road, and Mumbai. The company is rendering various services like Liner and Passenger services, Bulk carrier and tanker services, offshore services. The company is functioning and handling vessels that catering national and international lines.
In recent years, SCI has been focusing on expanding its fleet by acquiring new vessels and investing in new technologies to improve its operations. The company has also been investing in the development of new ports and shipyards to support the growth of the Indian shipping industry.
Website: https://www.shipindia.com/
2. Maersk Line India
Maersk Line India, which was founded in 1990, is a prominent entity within the shipping industry, serving as the Indian subsidiary of the multinational corporation Maersk. Throughout its extensive three-decade history, Maersk Line India has played a pivotal role in promoting economic expansion in the region and facilitating international trade.
The company’s primary emphasis is on container trade, providing an extensive array of services encompassing dependable and effective cargo transportation, connectivity to prominent international ports, and inventive logistical resolutions.
3. MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company
MSC, an emerging global giant in the shipping industry, established its presence in India with its India headquarters located in Mumbai. The company, founded in 1970 in Switzerland, has grown to become one of the largest container operators worldwide. MSC India, operational since the early 2000s, plays a crucial role in connecting India to worldwide routes.
With a comprehensive fleet and a vast network of transmitting services, MSC facilitates the seamless transportation of goods, including containerized cargo, between Indian ports and major global destinations. The company’s main work revolves around providing reliable and efficient maritime solutions, offering a wide range of services such as container trading, logistics, and intermodal transport to support the dynamic shipment landscape of India.
4. Great Eastern Shipping
Great Eastern Shipping Company (GE Shipping) is one of the leading private sector shipping companies in India. The company was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Mumbai. GE Shipping primarily operates in the transportation of crude oil, petroleum products, gas, and dry bulk commodities.
The main business of the enterprise is separated into two parts-shipping and offshore. Crude Oil, Dry Bulk Commodities, Gas, and Petroleum Products, are transported in Shipping Business. The total numbers of the workforce working for the enterprise are around 2000 to 3000.
Website: https://www.greatship.com/
5. CMA CGM
CMA CGM, established its presence in India in 1989, and has played a pivotal role in connecting India to the world through its extensive network of services. The company operates in various segments of the shipment sectors, including container transportation, logistics, and terminal operations. CMA CGM India has consistently demonstrated a commitment to providing efficient and reliable solutions, contributing significantly to the facilitation of overall distribution for businesses in India.
12. Essar Shipping
Essar Shipping is a part of the Essar Group, one of India’s leading business conglomerates. The company was founded in 1945 and is headquartered in Mumbai. Essar Shipping primarily operates in the transportation of dry bulk commodities, such as iron ore, coal, and bauxite.
Website: www.essar.com
7. Evergreen Line
Evergreen Line is a part of the Evergreen Group, a Taiwanese booming shipping conglomerate, and it has played a pivotal role in facilitating worldwide connections for Indian businesses. Evergreen Line is primarily involved in container shipping services, connecting India with key global transportation routes.
The company operates a fleet of modern container vessels equipped to handle a diverse range of cargo. It has strategically positioned itself as a reliable logistics partner, offering efficient and timely transportation solutions for exporters and importers in India.
8. ONE Ocean Network Express
ONE (Ocean Network Express) made its foray into the Indian shipping industry in April 2018. The establishment marked a significant development in the country’s distribution sector. ONE, formed through the integration of three major Japanese companies—MOL, NYK, and K Line, brought its consolidated expertise and extensive global network to India. The company operates with a commitment to enhancing connectivity, offering a range of innovative logistics solutions, and contributing to the growth of India’s trade and commerce.
9. OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line)
Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) established a substantial presence in India, thereby making a valuable contribution to the trading industry of the country. Established in 1969, OOCL rapidly gained international recognition as a prominent logistics corporation specializing in container transportation.
OOCL has significantly contributed to the facilitation of intercontinental commerce in India through the provision of all-encompassing services. The organization’s primary activity is containerized cargo transportation, which it does in a seamless manner, linking key Indian ports with international locations.
10. Hapag-Lloyd
With a long history tracing back to 1847, Hapag-Lloyd, a German-based shipping behemoth that commenced operations in India in 1997, has made substantial contributions to the country’s international freight initiatives. Hapag-Lloyd’s operations in India consist mainly of an extensive array of container services and logistics solutions.
By utilizing a contemporary and varied fleet, the organization enables the effective transportation of commodities, thereby linking Indian enterprises with pivotal intercontinental markets.Â
11. NYK Line India
NYK Line India, a subsidiary of Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) began its operations in India, forging a path in the industry with a commitment to excellence. Since its establishment, NYK Line India has been a key player in providing comprehensive shipment and logistics solutions. With a focus on container transport, car transport, and bulk shipping, NYK Line India has played a vital role in connecting India to global routes.
Leveraging its worldwide expertise and advanced trading capabilities, the company facilitates the seamless movement of goods, contributing to the efficiency of supply chains and fostering international relationships.
12. COSCO Shipping Lines
The Indian arm of COSCO commenced its operations in the country, bringing with it the legacy of a global shipping giant. Established to meet the growing demands of India’s dynamic trade and commerce sector, COSCO has rapidly evolved into a key facilitator of international trade. The company plays a pivotal role in connecting Indian businesses to a vast network of all-encompassing trade routes.
With a commitment to efficiency, reliability, and innovation, COSCO contributes substantially to the seamless movement of goods, bolstering India’s position in the intricate web of international maritime commerce.
13. Varun Shipping Company Limited
Varun Shipping Company Limited is a private sector shipping company based in Mumbai, India. The company was founded in 1970 and primarily operates in the transportation of liquid and dry bulk commodities, including crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals, and coal.
14. Mercator Limited
Mercator Limited is a diversified conglomerate with interests in shipping, dredging, offshore services, and coal mining. The company was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Mumbai, India. Mercator Limited primarily operates in the transportation of dry bulk commodities, such as coal, iron ore, and fertilizers.
The overall income generated by Mercator Limited is around Rs 1835 Crore. The total numbers of staffs working for Mercator limited are anticipated to be 2000 to 5000 and they are increasing in numbers. H K Mittal is the founder and chairman of the company.
15. Shreyas Shipping & Logistics Ltd.
Shreyas Shipping & Logistics Ltd. is a public sector shipping and logistics company based in Mumbai, India. The company was founded in 1988 and primarily operates in the container shipping segment, offering both domestic and international services.
16. ChellShip (Chellaram Shipping India Private Limited)
Chellaram Shipping India Private Limited is a shipping company based in Mumbai, India. The company was established in 1945 and is engaged in the shipping and logistics business, primarily focused on the transportation of liquid bulk cargo.
Overall, Chellaram Shipping India Private Limited is a well-established shipping and logistics company in India, with a
17. Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited (GPPL)
Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited (GPPL) is a private sector port operator based in the state of Gujarat, India. The company was founded in 1992 and primarily operates in the management and operation of a container terminal at the Port of Pipavav.
The total revenue generated by Pipavav Shipyard is around Rs 1515 crore. The total number of staff working for the company could be around 3500 to 5000. The company is incorporated in Mumbai and Rajiv Shukla is the current CEO of the company.
18. ABG Shipyard Ltd.
ABG Shipyard Ltd. was a private sector shipbuilding company based in Gujarat, India. The company was founded in 1985 and primarily operated in the construction of ships, including offshore support vessels, bulk carriers, and oil tankers.
Rishi Agarwal is the founder and chairman of the company. The overall income of the company is around Rs 4322 crore until now. The total numbers of workers are around 3000 to 4000. The company has the largest ship-repairing unit in Goa and two facilities in Gujarat also.
19. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilder Ltd. (MDL)
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is a public sector shipyard and one of the leading shipbuilding companies in India. It is located on the west coast of India, in Mumbai, and was established in 1934.
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