Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has called on the Shipping Corporation of India to play a leading role in making India self-reliant and globally competitive in shipbuilding and maritime capacity.
Addressing a ceremony to mark SCI’s 65 years of operations yesterday, Mr. Sonowal highlighted SCI’s role in safeguarding India’s energy and trade security, particularly during the recent Strait of Hormuz crisis. He said a stronger national fleet is central to India’s ambition of becoming a leading shipbuilding and ship-owning nation by 2047 under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Maharashtra Minister for Fisheries and Ports Nitesh Narayan Rane, who was the Guest of Honour, highlighted SCI’s longstanding association with Maharashtra and Mumbai and said a strong shipping ecosystem is essential for trade, employment and the growth of India’s maritime economy.
Secretary of MoPSW Vijay Kumar addressed the gathering virtually and highlighted SCI’s role as a second line of defence during periods of national need and noted its robust financial performance despite the cyclical nature of the shipping industry.
SCI chairman and managing director, Capt. B.K. Tyagi reaffirmed SCI’s commitment to building a larger, modern and globally competitive fleet in support of the national push to expand India’s shipping capacity and tonnage. Founded in 1961 with 19 vessels, SCI now operates 58 vessels with a total capacity of 5.26 million deadweight tonnes. Its operations include crude and product tankers, bulk and container shipping, LPG and LNG carriers, offshore services and passenger and coastal transport.
