By Lal Singh Maritime trade has always been one of the important aspects in India, which links the country to the global markets and facilitates international trade. Shipping companies are significant facilitators of trade, logistics, and ensuring smooth transportation of goods. There are a few shipping companies that are very innovative and efficient in their line of operation.
This article identifies the top 10 best shipping companies in India in terms of services delivered, fleets, and their contribution to the industry.
1. Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)
Shipping corporation of India shows (SCI) is the largest Indian shipping company and a maritime sector innovator. SCI was founded in 1961 as a merger of Eastern and Western Shipping Corporations in only 19 ships. It currently runs a diversified fleet comprising bulk carriers, crude oil tankers, product tankers, container ships, LPG carriers and passenger cum cargo ships.
SCI has national and international trades and engages in break-bulk services, liquid and dry bulk transportation services, international container services, offshore services and passenger services. This has been helped by its well trained man power, modern fleet, and strategic alliances.
SCI is a recognized “Navratna company of the Government of India, where profitability is preserved but safety, customer satisfaction, and environmental protection are viewed as a priority.
2. Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd. (GE Shipping)
GE Shipping, the biggest private-sector shipping firm in India started in 1948 with a single Liberty ship. GE Shipping was founded by Sheth and Bhiwandiwalla families and has expanded to become a leader in the transportation of liquid, gas and solid bulk products worldwide.
The company has a fleet of 42 vessels which are crude tanks, product tankers, gas tankers, and dry bulk tankers. GE shipping has developed since 2006 through innovation and global resilience in as far as the industry has not been advantageous to it.
GE Shipping has sustained that leading role in the Indian private shipping industry through a consistent series of investments in fleet modernization and pursuit of operational excellence.
3. Allcargo Logistics
Allcargo logistics is a leading consolidation firm in LCL (less-than-container load) and also the most preferred supplier of logistics in India. Allcargo is an international enterprise with a history of more than thirty years of experience in the international supply chain management, air logistics, express delivery, and end-to-end consultative logistics.
Being the company of the Allcargo Group, it offers the combined solution of CFS-ICD activities and industrial parks and logistic centers. Allcargo also operates in more than 180 countries with a special focus on the digital-first solutions, customer satisfaction, and sustainability.
The fundamental principles of the company include entrepreneurship, innovation, collaboration, and the environment, which is why this business is a reliable service provider when global organizations are in need of a shipping and logistics company.
4. Essar Shipping
Essar Shipping is currently known as Essar Shipping Ports and Logistics Limited; it participates in the worldwide energy shipping industry. The company has its headquarters in Mumbai and carries out a fleet of 26 vessels namely VLCCs, Capesize, Supramax and mini-bulk carriers. Essar Shipping processes crude oil, petroleum products, and dry bulk cargo and inland logistics that operate more than 4,200 trucks.
The company is also contracting the drilling services of oil and gas projects that have 14 rigs including semi-submersible and onshore rigs. It also operates ports and terminals such as Vadinar in Gujarat which has handling and storage services.
Essar Shipping is targeted at integrated logistic offering through integration of sea transportation, onshore and offshore services as well as fleet management to provide global clients with comprehensive shipping service.
5. Shreyas Shipping & Logistics
Shreyas Shipping and Logistics which is today known as Transworld Shipping Lines Limited deals with domestic coastal container shipping and multimodal transport. Founded in 1988, the enterprise has the largest domestic container feeder fleet in India and provides services as a feeder between the ports of India and transshipment hubs.
The company offers weekly planned services which involve the use of sea, road as well as rail transportation services in order to create greater connectivity and efficiency. Being a subsidiary of the global Transworld Group, it utilizes global experience in the provision of integrated logistics.
With an emphasis on digitalization, process efficiency, and customer-oriented services, Shreyas Shipping keeps expanding the local and regional maritime trading in India.
6. Maersk Line India
Maersk Line India is the Indian division of world logistics giant Maersk. It offers built-in supply chain services, such as ocean transportation, warehouses, clearance, inland delivery, and air transportation. The organization links India with more than 130 countries by their enormous network of terminals, vessels, and digital solutions.
Maersk India insists on sustainability, which is reflected in the use of electric vehicles and green terminals as well as new fuel technologies. It provides cargo booking, cargo tracking and supply chain visibility in digital solutions which makes trade easier in businesses.
By investing in the local infrastructure, Maersk intends to streamline ocean transportation and inland logistics and encourage efficient and sustainable trade activities in the entire domain of India.
7. MSC India
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is a top shipping and logistics company in the world connecting India to other developed economies around the world. MSC India is an end-to-end transport company whether it is air, sea, or land and the business served includes agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and other industries.
Based in 1970 and headquartered in Geneva, MSC operates a massive fleet of container vessels and in 155+ countries across the world. The company aims at environmental sustainability, innovation, and online applications to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
MSC India is an integrated amalgamation of local and international operations to ensure dependable, effective and sustainable shipping solutions to Indian companies.
8. Cochin Shipyard Ltd.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) is one of the shipbuilding and ship repair companies in India. Certified under ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 27001 technologies, CSL makes a combination of technologies, flexibility and scale to provide high-quality shipbuilding and repair services.
The company embraces modern construction skills such as Japanese Integrated Hull Outfitting and Painting (IHOP) so as to boost efficiency of construction and commissioning.
CSL has been performing highly whenever they are assessed through government MoU and is keen in offshore construction, ship repairs, and in expansion prospects. It contributes to the shipbuilding industry in India because of its technological competencies.
9. CMA CGM
CMA CGM is a French multinational container shipping and logistic Company that has a robust presence in India. It offers end-to-end services, as well as sea freight, intermodal, warehousing, and port services. CMA CGM maintains more than 650 vessels and offices in 160 countries which makes the company global and provides efficient logistics services.
The company focuses on the sustainability of its LNG-powered ships, biofuels and a vision of carbon neutrality to be achieved by 2050. CMA CGM makes investments and commits to digital innovation, research and development, as well as the Internet of Things (IoT) to create a better customer experience and operational support.
The international network, along with the local understanding in India, makes CMA CGM a company of choice when it comes to international trade and logistics.
10. Hapag-Lloyd
Hapag-Lloyd is an international container transportation corporation that enjoys a considerable share in India. The company provides weekly services that are dependable connecting India to Asia and the Middle East region among other world markets. Hapag-Lloyd has 305 contemporary vessels and with a total of transports more than 12.5 million TEUs per year.
The company focuses on the reliability of the new schedules, transparency, and electronic devices to track the shipment and to book. Hapag-Lloyd is operating efficiently and with sustainability assured as it has 15 sales offices in India and is deeply concerned with sustainability.
The business also has strategic services including India Asia Express (IAX) which promotes connectivity of India with the trade routes of the world which promotes the development of international trade.
Conclusion
Shipping in India is a critical part of trade and economic development in the country. By becoming innovative, operationally excellent, and service oriented, companies such as SCI, GE Shipping, Allcargo Logistics, Essar Shipping, and Hapag-Lloyd have become leaders.
These 10 shipping companies not only link India with the rest of the world but also provide sustainable, reliable, and technologically advanced shipping solutions.
These companies will be important in the future of shipping, logistics, and international trade as India grows its maritime trading, which will benefit the businesses and the country.