Brief
India aims to become top shipping nation as minister cites SCI growth
Sonowal highlighted SCI's profit target and fleet expansion at the company's 65th anniversary in Mumbai.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Oct. 3 that the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) will help the country achieve its ambition of becoming a top shipping nation.
What happened
Speaking at the 65th‑anniversary celebration of SCI at the Cruise Terminal in Mumbai Port, Sonowal noted that the state‑run Navratna aims to boost domestic shipbuilding and increase maritime capacity. He said SCI expects its profit after tax to rise to more than Rs 2,000 crore in the current fiscal year, up from Rs 1,352.92 crore on a standalone basis for the year ending March 2026.
What the reports add
The PTI‑fed news piece reported that SCI, founded in 1961 with 19 vessels, now operates 58 ships totaling 5.26 million deadweight tonnage across tankers, bulk carriers, LNG vessels, offshore services and shipbuilding consultancy. Sonowal linked the company's performance during the recent Strait of Hormuz crisis to India’s energy‑security goals.
What was said
"SCI is one of the clearest examples of India building its own strength at sea," Sonowal told the audience, according to the report. He added that the corporation’s fleet, people and partnerships will be central to the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
How it came about
SCI’s growth reflects broader government initiatives such as the Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat programmes, which aim to expand national shipbuilding capacity. The minister urged SCI to lead joint‑venture projects with Indian Oil’s public‑sector units and Bharat Container Shipping Line to accelerate fleet augmentation.
Key facts
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said SCI will help India become a top shipping nation. (news18.com)
- SCI expects profit after tax to exceed Rs 2,000 crore this fiscal year. (news18.com)
- SCI now operates 58 vessels with a total of 5.26 million deadweight tonnage. (news18.com)
- SCI was founded in 1961 with 19 vessels and has grown to a diversified maritime enterprise. (news18.com)
Sources
- [1] news18.com — originally reported as “SCI to help India achieve ambition of becoming top shipping nation: Sonowal”
