Special Offer!

“Reviving Indian Seas — One Ship at a Time.”

Shipping Corporation of India Reignites Bid to Buy Second-Hand Container Ships to Boost Indian Fleet

State-run Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) has invited bids to purchase two second-hand container ships—one firm and one optional—each up to 20 years old, with a capacity of 12,000–18,000 TEUs. This marks SCI’s fourth attempt in two years to expand its fleet amid India’s efforts to reduce dependency on foreign shipping lines. Currently, 95% of India’s EXIM cargo is carried by foreign operators, costing the country about ₹16 lakh crore ($75 billion) annually in freight payments—nearly equal to India’s defence budget. The move aligns with the government’s vision to launch Bharat Container Shipping Line, a joint venture between SCI and CONCOR, to strengthen Indian tonnage. SCI, which already owns three container ships, is also exploring new vessel builds, including alternate-fuel platform supply vessels.