SCI signs MoU to form Bharat Container Shipping Line, boosting India’s Maritime Self-Reliance
NEW DELHI : The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Container Corporation of India Ltd (CONCOR), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, and Chennai Port Authority for the formation of Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL)—a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening India’s container shipping capabilities and enhancing maritime self-reliance.
The MoU was signed in the august presence of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal ji, Hon’ble Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw ji, Hon’ble Union Minister for Railways; and Shri Shantanu Thakur ji, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
The proposed Bharat Container Shipping Line is envisioned as a strategic national carrier that will augment India’s presence in global container trade, reduce dependence on foreign shipping lines, and provide reliable, cost-effective container shipping services for Indian exporters and importers. The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s broader objectives under Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Sagarmala programme to build an integrated, resilient, and globally competitive maritime ecosystem.
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Ministers emphasized that the collaboration between leading public sector entities across shipping, ports, rail logistics, and maritime financing reflects a holistic approach to strengthening India’s logistics and supply chain infrastructure. The initiative is expected to enhance connectivity, promote multimodal logistics, and support the growth of India’s foreign trade.
The signing of this MoU marks a significant step forward in India’s journey towards becoming a major global maritime hub, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and long-term strategic capacity building in the shipping sector.