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When one thinks of logistics solutions, shipping or waterways is one of the important modes of transport. According to UNCTAD, over 80% of international trade by volume is done through waterways. Therefore, just like trucking companies, shipping companies hold a lot of importance.  

Logistics

Shipping Corporation of India is one of the leading Indian shipping companies. Also, it is a public sector undertaking company that has carved its niche in the global shipping industry.  

Knowing about the Shipping Corporation of India is important especially if you are in an import-export business. This article gives an overview of the operation of SCI along with key milestones achieved in the last few decades.  

Shipping Corporation of India: Overview 

Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is an Indian shipping company that started operations in 1961 with only 19 vessels. In the last few decades, the company has grown in leaps and bounds and the company had 70 vessels in its fleet by 2004.  

Over the years, SCI has diversified into various types of shipping logistics and has invested in many types of vessels such as bulk carriers, crude oil tankers, container vessels, LPG and offshore supply vessels, and so on. The attitude of catering all types of maritime logistics solutions makes SCI a prominent player on the global map. 

Here is a list of services offered by SCI.  

  • Tankers: SCI has crude oil tankers consisting of all sizes: MR, LR-I, LR-II, Aframax, Suezmax, and VLCC tankers.  
  • Bulk carriers: Currently, SCI has 15 bulk carriers of different sizes including Handymax, Supramax, Panamax, and Kamsarmax.   
  • Containers: SCI offers Container Services & Marketing (CS&M), Break-Bulk (BB) and Freight Reconciliation Dept. Container Services.  
  • Offshore: SCI offers offshore marine logistics services to the Indian oil industry.  
  • Coastal & passenger services: Shipping Corporation of India is instrumental in operating and managing bout 27 passenger and cargo services between the mainland and the islands of Andaman.  

Some of the other services that are facilitated by the Shipping Corporation of India include:  

  • Chartering  
  • Lighterage  
  • Dry docking S
  • Shipbuilding consultancy  

Additionally, SCI also has a maritime institute in Mumbai that is equipped with modern training equipment and simulators.  

Shipping Corporation of India: History 

Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) was incorporated on October 2, 1961. It was formed by merging Eastern Shipping Corporation and Western Shipping Corporation. It is the first public sector company in the shipping industry. Here are some of the milestones of SCI. 

Year  Milestone 
1961  Incorporation of SCI 
1964  SCI diversified into crude oil transportation  
1975 
  • Acquired its first very large crude carrier (VLCC) 
  • Formed a joint venture with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines. JV was named as Irano Hind Shipping Company 
1984  Ventured into the offshore segment. SCI acquired anchor handling cum towing supply vessels also known as offshore supply vessels (OSVs) 
1987  Established its own Maritime Training Institute (MTI) in Mumbai. It is a regional training centre by UNCTAD 
1991  Diversified into chemical tankers and cryogenic operations 
1993  Started cellular container service by acquiring cellular vessels 
2000  SCI was conferred with Mini Ratna status 
2001  Expanded operations into LNG transportation through joint venture companies that include Japanese Shipping Lines MOL, NYK and K-Line; Qatar Shipping Company, Qatar Gas Transport Company and Petronet LNG  
2005 
  • SCI acquired a very large crude carrier (VLCC) with the capacity of 316000 DWT – which was the largest ship in India’s registry. 
  • It becomes the first Indian shipping company to cross the ₹1,000 crore mark in net profit. 
2008  SCI obtained ISO 9000 certification. ISO certification denotes that the company follows standard guidelines to ensure quality.  
2015  Attained compliance with Integrated Management System (IMS) for all ships and establishments 
2021  Ventured into inland waterways. Signed an MoU by ICSL and IWAI and inland vessels have been taken over by Inland & Coastal Shipping Ltd. (ICSL), a 100 subsidiary of SCI. 

Shipping Corporation of India: How to track containers?

Tracking containers is easy with the Shipping Corporation of India’s website. One can simply track containers through the Shipping Corporation of India’s website. Here is a step-by-step guide.

  • Click on the SCI’s website to track containers.
  • You can either search by container, bill of landing, and booking reference number.
  • Enter your container number/bill of landing number/booking reference number.
  • Click on ‘Track’.

Alternatively, you can also search for vessel schedules to plan your logistics. Here is how you can do it.

How to contact the Shipping Corporation of India?

In case, you want to get in touch with the Shipping Corporation of India, here is a list of contact details.

Shipping Corporation of India has its head office located in Mumbai while regional offices are located country wide.

Office location Contact number
Head office Shipping Corporation of India –Mumbai +91 22 – 22026666
SCI Kolkata +91 33-22543400

+91-33-22543427

SCI Chennai +91-44-25225937 (Direct)

+91-44-2523-1401

SCI Haldia +91-3224-265810
SCI New Delhi +91 11-23322627

+91 11-23322604

On a concluding note

The Shipping Corporation of India is a leading Indian shipping company that enables imports and export. Additionally, the company has simplified vessel tracking. One can easily look for the go on the SCI’ website for tracking. Additionally, planning your shipments is also easy with its feature of searching vessel schedules.

Swati Deshpande

Swati is a passionate content writer with more than 10 years of experience crafting content for the business and manufacturing sectors, and helping MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) navigate complexities in steel procurement, and business services. Her clear and informative writing empowers MSMEs to make informed decisions and thrive in the competitive landscape.