Shipping Corporation of India has marked its 65th anniversary in Mumbai, with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal calling for further fleet expansion and a stronger role in shipbuilding. Sonowal linked SCI’s future growth with India’s maritime capacity, energy security and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 framework. According to government figures, SCI has grown from 19 vessels at its establishment in 1961 to 58 ships with approximately 5.26 million deadweight tonnes of capacity. The minister also highlighted SCI’s strategic role during periods of national and international maritime disruption.

Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal urged SCI to expand its fleet and shipbuilding role as India pursues greater maritime capacity, energy security and global competitiveness.

Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal urged the Shipping Corporation of India to lead India’s next maritime expansion phase.

Speaking at SCI’s 65th anniversary programme at Mumbai’s International Cruise Terminal, Sonowal highlighted the national carrier’s contribution to trade, energy security and wider maritime resilience. 

The minister cited SCI’s operations during the recent Strait of Hormuz crisis, describing a strong national fleet as strategically important for protecting India’s commercial interests overseas. 

He linked SCI’s future growth to the government’s Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat programmes and the long-term Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 policy framework for shipping. 

SCI’s Fleet Growth and Expanding Maritime Role

Founded in 1961 with 19 vessels, SCI now operates 58 ships with a total capacity of approximately 5.26 million deadweight tonnes, according to current government figures. (Press Information Bureau⁠)

Its diversified operations include crude and product tankers, bulk carriers, container shipping, LPG and LNG transportation, offshore services, coastal transport, passenger shipping and related maritime services.

SCI also handles project cargo, ship management and shipbuilding consultancy, giving the state-controlled company a broad role across India’s commercial and strategic maritime ecosystem today. 

Sonowal said SCI’s fleet, workforce and partnerships would remain important as India seeks stronger domestic shipbuilding capabilities and a larger, internationally competitive shipping presence globally. (Press Information Bureau⁠)

The Ministry’s published shipbuilding guidelines state that India aims to rank among the world’s top five countries in shipbuilding and ship ownership by 2047 ultimately. 

Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Narayan Rane, attending as guest of honour, highlighted SCI’s longstanding relationship with Mumbai, Maharashtra and the state’s maritime economy. 

Rane said a stronger shipping ecosystem remained essential for trade, employment generation and wider maritime growth, particularly as India expands port, logistics and coastal infrastructure nationwide. 

Vijay Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, addressed participants virtually, according to event material, highlighting SCI’s strategic role during national requirements.

He described SCI as a “second line of defence” during periods of national need and referred to its financial resilience through cyclical and challenging shipping-market conditions.

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Fleet Expansion, Partnerships and Greener Shipping

SCI Chairman and Managing Director Captain B. K. Tyagi outlined plans to create a larger, modern and globally competitive fleet supporting India’s planned tonnage expansion programme. (Press Information Bureau⁠)

The company is pursuing fleet augmentation with policy and financing support, while proposed joint ventures involving Indian Oil-linked public-sector entities and Bharat Container Shipping Line are advancing. 

Government statements say these partnerships are intended to accelerate capacity creation under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 while strengthening domestic shipping and shipbuilding capability over time. 

SCI is also placing greater emphasis on greener shipping, an area identified within India’s wider maritime roadmap alongside infrastructure modernisation, logistics efficiency and sustainable maritime development.

What Comes Next for SCI

As SCI enters its next phase, fleet expansion and partnerships will determine how effectively it supports India’s energy security, trade connectivity and long-term shipbuilding ambitions internationally.

The company’s 65-year evolution provides a substantial national platform, while future performance will depend on timely investment, vessel acquisition, partnerships and sustained competitive operating efficiency.

For Sprouts News, SCI’s anniversary represents more than a corporate milestone: it marks a renewed policy focus on expanding India-controlled shipping capacity through 2047 and beyond.