Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

India’s maritime industry plays a vital role in its economy, handling a significant portion of the country’s trade. The following is a detailed look at the top 10 shipping companies in India, highlighting their history, services, and market position.

1. The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)

The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

AspectDetails
HeadquartersMumbai, Maharashtra
Year Established1961
FleetOver 60 vessels including tankers, bulk carriers, container ships
ServicesContainer shipping, bulk cargo transportation, tanker services for oil and gas, offshore and specialized vessel services
Market PositionLargest shipping company in India, dominant in crude oil and petroleum transportation
The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

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Overview:
Founded in 1961, SCI is a government-owned enterprise and the largest shipping company in India. It operates a diverse fleet including bulk carriers, tankers, and container vessels.

Services:

  • Container shipping
  • Bulk cargo transportation
  • Tanker services for oil and gas
  • Offshore and specialized vessel services

Fleet:
Over 60 vessels, including tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships.

Market Position:
SCI holds a dominant position in India’s shipping industry, particularly in the transportation of crude oil and petroleum products.

2. Essar Shipping

Essar Shipping-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

AspectDetails
HeadquartersMumbai, Maharashtra
Year Established1945
FleetOver 15 vessels including VLCCs, Capesize, Panamax bulk carriers
ServicesBulk cargo transportation, oil and gas logistics, port and terminal operations, offshore oilfield services
Market PositionKey player in bulk cargo and oil transportation sectors
Essar Shipping-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

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Overview:
Part of the Essar Group, Essar Shipping was established in 1945. It provides integrated logistics services including sea transportation, logistics, and oilfield services.

Services:

  • Bulk cargo transportation
  • Oil and gas logistics
  • Port and terminal operations
  • Offshore oilfield services

Fleet:
A fleet of over 15 vessels, including VLCCs, Capesize and Panamax bulk carriers.

Market Position:
Essar Shipping is a key player in the bulk cargo and oil transportation sectors in India.

3. Great Eastern Shipping Company (GE Shipping)

Great Eastern Shipping Company (GE Shipping)-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

AspectDetails
HeadquartersMumbai, Maharashtra
Year Established1948
FleetApproximately 45 vessels including tankers, dry bulk carriers
ServicesCrude oil and product tankers, dry bulk carriers, offshore oilfield services
Market PositionLargest private sector shipping company in India, diversified fleet
Great Eastern Shipping Company (GE Shipping)-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

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Overview:
Founded in 1948, GE Shipping is one of India’s largest private sector shipping companies. It operates in both the dry bulk and tanker shipping segments.

Services:

  • Crude oil and product tankers
  • Dry bulk carriers
  • Offshore oilfield services

Fleet:
Approximately 45 vessels, including tankers and dry bulk carriers.

Market Position:
GE Shipping is well-regarded for its diversified fleet and comprehensive services in the maritime industry.

4. Mercator Limited

Mercator Limited-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

AspectDetails
HeadquartersMumbai, Maharashtra
Year Established1983
FleetTankers, bulk carriers, dredgers
ServicesCrude oil, petroleum products, dry bulk transportation, dredging services, offshore services, coal logistics and trading
Market PositionIntegrated logistics services, presence in energy and resources sectors
Mercator Limited-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

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Overview:
Mercator Limited, established in 1983, is involved in shipping, dredging, coal mining, and logistics. It has a significant presence in the Indian shipping industry.

Services:

  • Transportation of crude oil, petroleum products, and dry bulk
  • Dredging services
  • Offshore services
  • Coal logistics and trading

Fleet:
Includes tankers, bulk carriers, and dredgers.

Market Position:
Mercator is known for its integrated logistics services and presence in the energy and resources sectors.

5. Varun Shipping Company

Varun Shipping Company-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

AspectDetails
HeadquartersMumbai, Maharashtra
Year Established1971
FleetLPG carriers, tankers
ServicesLiquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers, crude oil and product tankers, offshore support services
Market PositionLeading player in LPG transportation sector in India
Varun Shipping Company-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

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Overview:
Founded in 1971, Varun Shipping specializes in the transportation of liquefied gases, crude oil, and petroleum products.

Services:

  • Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers
  • Crude oil and product tankers
  • Offshore support services

Fleet:
A fleet of LPG carriers and tankers.

Market Position:
Varun Shipping is a leading player in the LPG transportation sector in India.

6. Shreyas Shipping and Logistics

Shreyas Shipping and Logistics-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

AspectDetails
HeadquartersMumbai, Maharashtra
Year Established1988
FleetContainer vessels
ServicesCoastal container shipping, feeder services, inland transportation and logistics
Market PositionMarket leader in coastal and container shipping in India
Shreyas Shipping and Logistics-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

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Overview:
Established in 1988, Shreyas Shipping is a part of the Transworld Group and is a pioneer in coastal shipping in India.

Services:

  • Coastal container shipping
  • Feeder services
  • Inland transportation and logistics

Fleet:
Operates a fleet of container vessels.

Market Position:
Shreyas Shipping is a market leader in coastal and container shipping in India.

7. Seaways Shipping and Logistics

Seaways Shipping and Logistics-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

AspectDetails
HeadquartersHyderabad, Telangana
Year Established1989
FleetDiverse fleet for various logistics needs
ServicesOcean freight services, project cargo handling, coastal shipping, logistics and warehousing
Market PositionRecognized for comprehensive logistics solutions and efficient service delivery
Seaways Shipping and Logistics-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

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Overview:
Founded in 1989, Seaways Shipping offers a wide range of logistics services including ocean freight, project cargo, and coastal shipping.

Services:

  • Ocean freight services
  • Project cargo handling
  • Coastal shipping
  • Logistics and warehousing

Fleet:
Operates a diverse fleet for various logistics needs.

Market Position:
Seaways Shipping is recognized for its comprehensive logistics solutions and efficient service delivery.

8. Darya Shipping

Darya Shipping-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

AspectDetails
HeadquartersMumbai, Maharashtra
Year Established2008
FleetBulk carriers
ServicesDry bulk shipping, chartering and brokerage, logistics services
Market PositionProminent player in the dry bulk shipping market
Darya Shipping-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

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Overview:
Darya Shipping, established in 2008, focuses on the transportation of dry bulk commodities across the globe.

Services:

  • Dry bulk shipping
  • Chartering and brokerage
  • Logistics services

Fleet:
A fleet of bulk carriers.

Market Position:
Darya Shipping is a prominent player in the dry bulk shipping market.

9. The Great Offshore Limited

The Great Offshore Limited-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

AspectDetails
HeadquartersMumbai, Maharashtra
Year Established1983
FleetOffshore support vessels, drilling rigs
ServicesOffshore drilling services, offshore support vessels, oil and gas logistics
Market PositionLeading provider of offshore services to the oil and gas industry in India
The Great Offshore Limited-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

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Overview:
The Great Offshore Limited, founded in 1983, provides offshore oilfield services including drilling, production, and support.

Services:

  • Offshore drilling services
  • Offshore support vessels
  • Oil and gas logistics

Fleet:
Includes offshore support vessels and drilling rigs.

Market Position:
The Great Offshore is a leading provider of offshore services to the oil and gas industry in India.

10. Five Stars Shipping Company

Five Stars Shipping Company-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

AspectDetails
HeadquartersMumbai, Maharashtra
Year Established1985
FleetBulk carriers
ServicesDry bulk shipping, chartering and brokerage services, maritime logistics
Market PositionNotable player in the dry bulk shipping sector, known for reliability and service quality
Five Stars Shipping Company-Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

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Overview:
Established in 1985, Five Stars Shipping specializes in the transportation of dry bulk commodities and provides shipping and logistics services.

Services:

  • Dry bulk shipping
  • Chartering and brokerage services
  • Maritime logistics

Fleet:
Operates a fleet of bulk carriers.

Market Position:
Five Stars Shipping is a notable player in the dry bulk shipping sector, known for its reliability and service quality.

FAQs for Top 10 Shipping Companies in India

1. The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)

Q1: When was The Shipping Corporation of India founded?
A1: The Shipping Corporation of India was founded in 1961.

Q2: What types of vessels does SCI operate?
A2: SCI operates a diverse fleet including tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships.

Q3: What services does SCI offer?
A3: SCI offers container shipping, bulk cargo transportation, tanker services for oil and gas, and offshore and specialized vessel services.

Q4: Where is the headquarters of SCI located?
A4: The headquarters of SCI is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

2. Essar Shipping

Q1: What year was Essar Shipping established?
A1: Essar Shipping was established in 1945.

Q2: What types of services does Essar Shipping provide?
A2: Essar Shipping provides bulk cargo transportation, oil and gas logistics, port and terminal operations, and offshore oilfield services.

Q3: How many vessels are in Essar Shipping’s fleet?
A3: Essar Shipping operates a fleet of over 15 vessels, including VLCCs, Capesize, and Panamax bulk carriers.

Q4: Where is Essar Shipping headquartered?
A4: Essar Shipping is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

3. Great Eastern Shipping Company (GE Shipping)

Q1: What distinguishes GE Shipping from other Indian shipping companies?
A1: GE Shipping is one of the largest private sector shipping companies in India, known for its diversified fleet and comprehensive services.

Q2: What services does GE Shipping offer?
A2: GE Shipping offers services including crude oil and product tankers, dry bulk carriers, and offshore oilfield services.

Q3: How many vessels does GE Shipping operate?
A3: GE Shipping operates approximately 45 vessels, including tankers and dry bulk carriers.

Q4: Where is the headquarters of GE Shipping?
A4: The headquarters of GE Shipping is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

4. Mercator Limited

Q1: What year was Mercator Limited founded?
A1: Mercator Limited was founded in 1983.

Q2: What services are offered by Mercator Limited?
A2: Mercator Limited offers services including the transportation of crude oil, petroleum products, and dry bulk, as well as dredging services, offshore services, and coal logistics and trading.

Q3: What types of vessels are in Mercator Limited’s fleet?
A3: Mercator Limited operates tankers, bulk carriers, and dredgers.

Q4: Where is the headquarters of Mercator Limited?
A4: The headquarters of Mercator Limited is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

5. Varun Shipping Company

Q1: When was Varun Shipping Company established?
A1: Varun Shipping Company was established in 1971.

Q2: What types of services does Varun Shipping offer?
A2: Varun Shipping offers services including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers, crude oil and product tankers, and offshore support services.

Q3: How many vessels does Varun Shipping operate?
A3: Varun Shipping operates a fleet of LPG carriers and tankers.

Q4: Where is the headquarters of Varun Shipping Company?
A4: The headquarters of Varun Shipping Company is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

6. Shreyas Shipping and Logistics

Q1: What is the primary focus of Shreyas Shipping and Logistics?
A1: Shreyas Shipping and Logistics focuses on coastal and container shipping.

Q2: When was Shreyas Shipping established?
A2: Shreyas Shipping was established in 1988.

Q3: What services are provided by Shreyas Shipping?
A3: Shreyas Shipping provides services including coastal container shipping, feeder services, and inland transportation and logistics.

Q4: Where is the headquarters of Shreyas Shipping?
A4: The headquarters of Shreyas Shipping is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

7. Seaways Shipping and Logistics

Q1: When was Seaways Shipping and Logistics founded?
A1: Seaways Shipping and Logistics was founded in 1989.

Q2: What services does Seaways Shipping and Logistics offer?
A2: Seaways Shipping and Logistics offers services including ocean freight, project cargo handling, coastal shipping, logistics, and warehousing.

Q3: What types of vessels are operated by Seaways Shipping and Logistics?
A3: Seaways Shipping and Logistics operates a diverse fleet for various logistics needs.

Q4: Where is the headquarters of Seaways Shipping and Logistics?
A4: The headquarters of Seaways Shipping and Logistics is located in Hyderabad, Telangana.

8. Darya Shipping

Q1: What year was Darya Shipping established?
A1: Darya Shipping was established in 2008.

Q2: What is the primary focus of Darya Shipping’s services?
A2: Darya Shipping primarily focuses on dry bulk shipping.

Q3: What types of vessels does Darya Shipping operate?
A3: Darya Shipping operates a fleet of bulk carriers.

Q4: Where is the headquarters of Darya Shipping?
A4: The headquarters of Darya Shipping is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

9. The Great Offshore Limited

Q1: When was The Great Offshore Limited founded?
A1: The Great Offshore Limited was founded in 1983.

Q2: What services are provided by The Great Offshore Limited?
A2: The Great Offshore Limited provides offshore drilling services, offshore support vessels, and oil and gas logistics.

Q3: What types of vessels are included in The Great Offshore Limited’s fleet?
A3: The Great Offshore Limited operates offshore support vessels and drilling rigs.

Q4: Where is the headquarters of The Great Offshore Limited?
A4: The headquarters of The Great Offshore Limited is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

10. Five Stars Shipping Company

Q1: When was Five Stars Shipping Company established?
A1: Five Stars Shipping Company was established in 1985.

Q2: What services does Five Stars Shipping Company offer?
A2: Five Stars Shipping Company offers services including dry bulk shipping, chartering and brokerage services, and maritime logistics.

Q3: What types of vessels does Five Stars Shipping Company operate?
A3: Five Stars Shipping Company operates a fleet of bulk carriers.

Q4: Where is the headquarters of Five Stars Shipping Company?
A4: The headquarters of Five Stars Shipping Company is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Conclusion

The Indian shipping industry is diverse, with companies specializing in various segments such as container shipping, bulk cargo, tanker services, and offshore support. The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) leads the sector, with significant contributions from private players like Essar Shipping, GE Shipping, and others. Together, these companies form the backbone of India’s maritime trade, ensuring efficient and reliable transportation of goods across the globe.

Also Read:

. Top 10 Venture Capital Firms in India 

. Top 10 Angel Investor Networks in India 

. Top 10 Technology Startups in India 

. Top 10 Food Processing Companies in India 

. Top 10 Logistics Companies in India 

. Top 10 Startup Incubators in India 

. Top 10 Fashion Brands in India 

. Top 10 Luxury Brands in India 

. Top 10 Home Appliance Brands in India 

. Top 10 Online Grocery Stores in India 

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