Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Sonowal Urges SCI to Lead India’s Maritime and Shipbuilding Push
The Shipping Corporation of India, or SCI, has been operating for 65 years.
It began with 19 ships and now operates 58.
At a ceremony in Mumbai, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said SCI should help India build more ships and strengthen its shipping fleet.
He said shipping is important for moving trade and protecting the country’s energy supplies.
SCI’s chairman said the company plans to grow and modernize its fleet.
Proposed partnerships are part of those plans.
Officials also said a stronger shipping sector can support jobs and India’s maritime ambitions.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal urged the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) to lead efforts to build a self-reliant, globally competitive maritime sector.
SCI marked 65 years of operations at a ceremony at Mumbai’s International Cruise Terminal.
Founded in 1961 with 19 vessels, SCI now operates 58 vessels totaling 5.26 million deadweight tonnage.
Sonowal highlighted SCI’s role in energy and trade security, including its performance during the recent Strait of Hormuz crisis.
SCI plans fleet expansion and proposed joint ventures involving Indian Oil public-sector undertakings and the Bharat Container Shipping Line.
- Who
- The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and other maritime officials.
- What
- SCI marked 65 years of operations, and Sonowal called on it to help expand India’s maritime and shipbuilding capacity.
- When
- At the company’s 65th-anniversary ceremony; the article does not specify a calendar date.
- Where
- The International Cruise Terminal in Mumbai.
- Why
- To support India’s maritime capacity, trade and energy security, and ambitions to expand shipbuilding and shipping by 2047.
National maritime ambitions
Company expansion plans
SCI’s role in India’s maritime push
National maritime ambitions
Sonowal called on SCI to take a leading role in strengthening India’s self-reliant shipbuilding and maritime capacity.
Company expansion plans
SCI Chairman and Managing Director B.K. Tyagi described plans for a larger, modern, globally competitive fleet, while the article provides no opposing criticism of the government’s goals.
Benefits and priorities of a stronger shipping sector
National maritime ambitions
Officials cited trade and energy security, employment, and India’s broader maritime ambitions as reasons to strengthen shipping.
Company expansion plans
The article reports planned fleet growth, partnerships, and a focus on greener shipping, but gives no opposing viewpoint on these priorities.
- SCI founding
- Founded in 1961 as a liner shipping company.
- Anniversary
- 65 years of operations.
- Fleet at founding
- 19 vessels.
- Current fleet
- 58 vessels.
- Fleet tonnage
- 5.26 million deadweight tonnage (DWT).
- Event location
- International Cruise Terminal, Mumbai.
- Expansion plans
- Fleet augmentation and proposed joint ventures involving Indian Oil public-sector undertakings and the Bharat Container Shipping Line.