Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has called on the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) to play a leading role in strengthening India’s domestic shipbuilding and fleet capacity as the country works towards its Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 targets.

Sonowal made the remarks at a ceremony marking SCI’s 65th anniversary at the International Cruise Terminal in Mumbai on October 2, 2026.

Congratulating SCI on completing 65 years, Sonowal highlighted the company’s contribution to India’s energy and trade security, including its role during the recent Strait of Hormuz crisis.

He linked the development of a stronger Indian-owned fleet with the government’s Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives and the broader ambition of establishing India as a leading shipbuilding and ship-owning nation by 2047.

Describing SCI as “one of the clearest examples of India building its own strength at sea,” Sonowal said the company’s fleet, workforce and industry partnerships would be important to the country’s shipbuilding ambitions under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.    The minister said India’s maritime strategy now extends beyond owning vessels to increasing domestic ship construction, with SCI’s fleet expansion expected to contribute to that objective.    SCI was established in 1961 as a liner shipping company with 19 vessels. The company now operates 58 vessels with a combined capacity of 5.26 million DWT.    Its fleet and business activities span crude and product tankers, bulk and container shipping, LPG and LNG carriers, offshore services, passenger and coastal transport, project cargo, ship management and shipbuilding consultancy.    SCI Chairman and Managing Director Capt. B.K. Tyagi outlined the company’s fleet expansion roadmap and reaffirmed its plans to build a larger and more modern fleet in line with India’s efforts to increase domestic tonnage.    The company is pursuing fleet augmentation with support from expanded government policy and financing measures for the maritime sector.    Proposed joint ventures with oil sector public sector undertakings, along with the planned Bharat Container Shipping Line, are expected to support further fleet growth and contribute to India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 targets.    Nitesh Narayan Rane, Maharashtra’s Minister for Fisheries and Ports and Guest of Honour at the event, highlighted SCI’s longstanding association with Maharashtra and Mumbai.    Rane said a strong shipping ecosystem remains important for trade, employment and the continued development of India’s maritime economy.