Sarbhanand Sonowal said that SCI is the main foundation of India's maritime and shipbuilding ambitions.

Mumbai, Oct. 2, 2026 (City News Mumbai)
Central Port, Ship Transport and Inland Waterways Minister Sarbendra Sonewal urged the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) to take a leading role in the campaign to make India self‑reliant and globally competitive in shipbuilding and maritime power. He attended SCI’s 65th‑anniversary ceremony held at the International Cruise Terminal in Mumbai as the chief guest on Friday.

Sonewal congratulated SCI on completing more than six decades of service and highlighted the company’s role in the country’s energy and trade security. He also mentioned SCI’s performance during the recent Strait of Hormuz crisis.

The central minister said that a strong national navy plays a crucial role in achieving India’s Developed India and Self‑Reliant India goals. He added that India aims to be among the world’s leading ship‑building and ship‑owning nations by 2047.

He said, “SCI is a clear example of how India can build its strength at sea. Under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, SCI’s fleet, its employees, and partnerships will play a vital role in making India a leading ship‑building nation.”

Founded in 1961 as a liner shipping company with only 19 ships, SCI has now become a diversified maritime company. The company currently has a total of 58 ships with a capacity of 5.26 million deadweight ton (DWT).

SCI’s activities include tanker operations for crude oil and petroleum products, bulk and container shipping, LPG and LNG carriers, offshore services, passenger and coastal transport, project cargo, ship management, and ship‑building consultancy.

Sonewal said that India no longer wants to be limited to owning ships but is moving toward building ships within the country. He added that SCI’s decades‑long development journey reflects the capacity of Indian enterprise with national resolve.

Maharashtra’s Fisheries and Port Minister Nitesh Narayan Rane attended the event as a distinguished guest. He mentioned the long relationship between Maharashtra, Mumbai, and SCI, stating that a robust shipping ecosystem is essential for trade, employment, and the country’s maritime economy.

MoPSW Secretary Vijay Kumar addressed the program via video conferencing. He highlighted SCI’s role during national exigencies, the company’s financial performance, fleet expansion, strategic partnerships, and focus on green shipping.

SCI Chairman and Managing Director Captain B.K. Tyagi briefed on the company’s upcoming plans. He said that SCI is committed to preparing a modern, large, and globally competitive fleet in line with the nation’s efforts to increase shipping capacity and tonnage.

SCI is working on expanding its fleet under increased policy and financial support from the government. The company plans to accelerate expansion through proposed joint ventures with Indian Oil’s public sector companies and India Container Shipping Line.

The next phase of SCI’s expansion is linked to India’s maritime capacity, economic and energy security, and the broader goal of increasing ship‑building and shipping capacity by 2047.