Shipping Companies in India: Navigating Global Trade and Logistics

India, with its vast coastline and strategic geographical location, plays a crucial role in global maritime trade. The shipping industry is a backbone of the Indian economy, supporting export-import (EXIM) trade, coastal shipping, and logistics operations. With 12 major ports, over 200 minor ports, and a growing private shipping sector, India is rapidly expanding its maritime capabilities.

This article explores the Indian shipping industry, leading companies, challenges, government initiatives, and emerging trends shaping the future of maritime trade.

The Indian shipping sector is a key component of the country’s logistics and transportation industry, handling over 90% of total trade volume by weight. The sector includes cargo shipping, container shipping, bulk carriers, and coastal shipping services.

India is ranked among the top maritime nations, with a shipping fleet of over 1,500 vessels catering to domestic and international trade. The Sagarmala Project, Make in India, and other government initiatives are driving growth in port infrastructure, shipbuilding, and logistics digitization.

a) Cargo & Freight Shipping

• Involves bulk cargo transport, including coal, crude oil, and agricultural products.

• Major cargo hubs: Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), Mundra Port, and Chennai Port.

b) Container Shipping

• Facilitates global trade with containerized freight movement.

• India’s container trade is growing with private port investments.

c) Coastal & Inland Waterway Shipping

• Promotes domestic cargo movement via rivers and coastal routes to reduce road congestion.

• The National Waterways (NW-1, NW-2, NW-3, etc.) are being developed for inland shipping.

d) Tanker Shipping

• Specializes in transporting crude oil, chemicals, and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).

• Key players include Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and Great Eastern Shipping.

e) Cruise & Passenger Shipping

• The cruise industry is expanding with luxury and domestic cruise services.

• Major cruise terminals: Mumbai, Kochi, Goa, and Chennai.

Some of India’s leading shipping companies in india providing cargo, container, and tanker shipping services include: