Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI) has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with three major oil Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to bolster India's shipping capacity and enhance energy security. This strategic move aligns with the government's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

Memorandum of Understanding Signed

SCI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL), and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL). The collaboration, initiated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), aims to jointly acquire, own, operate, and manage vessels for both international trade and coastal transport.

Scope of Collaboration

The partnership will focus on the transportation of:

• Petroleum
• Petroleum products
• Petrochemicals
• Other hydrocarbon cargoes

This joint venture is expected to significantly enhance India's maritime capabilities and contribute to the country's energy security.

Government Initiative

The MoU is part of a broader government initiative to strengthen India's shipping sector. By combining the expertise and resources of these major PSUs, the collaboration seeks to create a more robust and efficient fleet for energy-related cargo transportation.

Impact on Energy Security

This strategic alliance is poised to play a crucial role in securing India's energy supply chain. By having a dedicated fleet for petroleum and related products, the country can ensure more reliable and cost-effective transportation of these vital resources.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision

The partnership aligns with the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, promoting self-reliance in critical sectors. By enhancing domestic shipping capabilities, India aims to reduce dependence on foreign vessels for its energy transportation needs.

Market Implications

While specific financial details of the collaboration were not disclosed, this partnership is expected to have significant implications for India's shipping and energy sectors. It may lead to increased efficiency in energy transportation, potentially resulting in cost savings and improved energy security for the nation.

Future Outlook

As this collaboration unfolds, industry observers will be keenly watching its impact on India's maritime sector and energy landscape. The success of this venture could pave the way for similar partnerships in other critical industries, further advancing India's self-reliance goals.

Shipping Corporation of India's strategic alliance with BPCL, HPCL, and IOCL marks a significant step towards enhancing India's maritime capabilities and energy security. As the partnership develops, it is expected to contribute substantially to the country's Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and strengthen its position in the global shipping industry.

Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) has successfully expanded its fleet capacity in the gas transportation segment with the acquisition of a secondhand Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) named 'Shivalik'. The company officially took delivery of the vessel on September 10, 2025, marking a significant addition to its maritime assets.

Vessel Specifications

The newly acquired 'Shivalik' boasts impressive specifications:

Acquisition Details

According to the company's official announcement to the stock exchanges:

• The Protocol of Delivery & Acceptance was signed at 13:30 hours (IST) on September 10, 2025.
• This acquisition follows an earlier intimation by the company dated July 4, 2025, indicating a planned expansion of its fleet.

Strategic Implications

This latest addition to SCI's fleet underscores the company's commitment to strengthening its position in the gas transportation market. The acquisition of 'Shivalik' is expected to enhance SCI's capabilities in transporting liquefied gases, potentially opening up new business opportunities and routes for the company.

Regulatory Compliance

The company has duly informed the stock exchanges about this significant development, in compliance with Regulation 30 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. This transparency ensures that shareholders and potential investors are kept abreast of material changes in the company's asset portfolio.

Market Impact

While the financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed in the immediate announcement, the addition of a VLGC to SCI's fleet is likely to be viewed positively by the market. It reflects the company's proactive approach to fleet modernization and capacity expansion in the specialized segment of gas transportation.

The acquisition of 'Shivalik' represents a strategic move by Shipping Corporation of India to capitalize on the growing demand for gas transportation services globally. As the company continues to expand its fleet, it positions itself to better serve its clients and potentially improve its market share in the competitive shipping industry.