Navigating the vast seas of the shipping industry in India requires a keen understanding of the key players shaping the maritime landscape. In a country with an extensive coastline and a burgeoning trade ecosystem, the selection of a reliable partner is pivotal for businesses across diverse sectors.
Let us explore the list of top shipping companies in India doing international trade.
1. Maersk Line India
Maersk Line India, which was founded in 1990, is a prominent entity within the shipping industry, serving as the Indian subsidiary of the multinational corporation Maersk. Throughout its extensive three-decade history, Maersk Line India has played a pivotal role in promoting economic expansion in the region and facilitating international trade. The company’s primary emphasis is on container trade, providing an extensive array of services encompassing dependable and effective cargo transportation, connectivity to prominent international ports, and inventive logistical resolutions.
2. MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company
MSC, an emerging global giant in the shipping industry, established its presence in India with its India headquarters located in Mumbai. The company, founded in 1970 in Switzerland, has grown to become one of the largest container operators worldwide. MSC India, operational since the early 2000s, plays a crucial role in connecting India to worldwide routes. With a comprehensive fleet and a vast network of transmitting services, MSC facilitates the seamless transportation of goods, including containerized cargo, between Indian ports and major global destinations. The company’s main work revolves around providing reliable and efficient maritime solutions, offering a wide range of services such as container trading, logistics, and intermodal transport to support the dynamic shipment landscape of India.
3. CMA CGM
CMA CGM, established its presence in India in 1989, and has played a pivotal role in connecting India to the world through its extensive network of services. The company operates in various segments of the shipment sectors, including container transportation, logistics, and terminal operations. CMA CGM India has consistently demonstrated a commitment to providing efficient and reliable solutions, contributing significantly to the facilitation of overall distribution for businesses in India.
4. The Great Eastern Shipping Co Ltd
Established in 1948, it is a naval industry stalwart in India and one of the country’s earliest and most prestigious shipping companies. Boasting a legacy that extends beyond seven decades, the organization has significantly influenced the course of India’s shipment sector. The primary operations of the company comprise the offshore services sector, gas carriers, dry bulk carriers, and the transportation of crude oil and petroleum products.
5. The Shipping Corporation of India
SCI is one of the biggest shipping companies in India. It was founded on 2 October 1961. Established with an initial aim of advancing and expanding shipment services, SCI has significantly contributed to the integration of India into the worldwide trade network. SCI, an organization based in Mumbai, manages an extensive fleet comprising tankers, container vessels, bulk carriers, and offshore support vessels. The corporation’s dedication to delivering dependable, secure, and effective trading services has earned it widespread recognition in India.
6. Evergreen Line
Evergreen Line is a part of the Evergreen Group, a Taiwanese booming shipping conglomerate, and it has played a pivotal role in facilitating worldwide connections for Indian businesses. Evergreen Line is primarily involved in container shipping services, connecting India with key global transportation routes. The company operates a fleet of modern container vessels equipped to handle a diverse range of cargo. It has strategically positioned itself as a reliable logistics partner, offering efficient and timely transportation solutions for exporters and importers in India.
7. ONE Ocean Network Express
ONE (Ocean Network Express) made its foray into the Indian shipping industry in April 2018. The establishment marked a significant development in the country’s distribution sector. ONE, formed through the integration of three major Japanese companies—MOL, NYK, and K Line, brought its consolidated expertise and extensive global network to India. The company operates with a commitment to enhancing connectivity, offering a range of innovative logistics solutions, and contributing to the growth of India’s trade and commerce.
8. OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line)
Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) established a substantial presence in India, thereby making a valuable contribution to the trading industry of the country. Established in 1969, OOCL rapidly gained international recognition as a prominent logistics corporation specializing in container transportation. OOCL has significantly contributed to the facilitation of intercontinental commerce in India through the provision of all-encompassing services. The organization’s primary activity is containerized cargo transportation, which it does in a seamless manner, linking key Indian ports with international locations.
9. Essar Shipping
Since its founding in 1945, Essar Shipping has been guiding a corporation towards excellence. Established under the name Essar Bulk Terminal Limited, the company has significantly contributed to the economic development of the nation. The organization has gained significant recognition for its varied fleet composition, which includes oil tankers, bulk carriers, and offshore exploration vessels. The principal activity of the organization is the conveyance of various commodities, including petroleum oil, iron ore, coal, and others, which makes a substantial contribution to the energy and infrastructure sectors of India.
10. Mercator Limited
Established in 1983 in India, Mercator has amassed more than three decades of experience in the shipment and logistics industry. Through its strategic diversification, the company has successfully defined itself as a conglomerate. The organization’s main operations comprise a broad range of tasks, such as the administration and operation of bulk carriers, product carriers, and crude oil tankers. Mercator Limited additionally provides dredging services, which involve the construction and upkeep of critical maritime infrastructure.
11. Hapag-Lloyd
With a long history tracing back to 1847, Hapag-Lloyd, a German-based shipping behemoth that commenced operations in India in 1997, has made substantial contributions to the country’s international freight initiatives. Hapag-Lloyd’s operations in India consist mainly of an extensive array of container services and logistics solutions. By utilizing a contemporary and varied fleet, the organization enables the effective transportation of commodities, thereby linking Indian enterprises with pivotal intercontinental markets.
12. NYK Line India
NYK Line India, a subsidiary of Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) began its operations in India, forging a path in the industry with a commitment to excellence. Since its establishment, NYK Line India has been a key player in providing comprehensive shipment and logistics solutions. With a focus on container transport, car transport, and bulk shipping, NYK Line India has played a vital role in connecting India to global routes. Leveraging its worldwide expertise and advanced trading capabilities, the company facilitates the seamless movement of goods, contributing to the efficiency of supply chains and fostering international relationships.
13. COSCO Shipping Lines
The Indian arm of COSCO commenced its operations in the country, bringing with it the legacy of a global shipping giant. Established to meet the growing demands of India’s dynamic trade and commerce sector, COSCO has rapidly evolved into a key facilitator of international trade. The company plays a pivotal role in connecting Indian businesses to a vast network of all-encompassing trade routes. With a commitment to efficiency, reliability, and innovation, COSCO contributes substantially to the seamless movement of goods, bolstering India’s position in the intricate web of international maritime commerce.
