Navigating the complex world of shipping can be daunting, particularly in a country as vast and diverse as India. Whether you’re an e-commerce business needing to reliably transport goods or an individual looking to send a package, choosing the right shipping company is crucial. We’ve done the legwork for you and compiled a list of India’s top 10 shipping companies, saving you time and potential headaches.
Knowing who stands out from the crowd is essential in this ever-growing industry. The businesses we’ve selected aren’t just random names – they’re proven entities with solid reputations for punctuality, safety measures, and customer satisfaction. They’re your solution for seamless logistics operations across both domestic and international waters.
So, let’s dive into it without further ado! Remember, every detail counts when it comes to getting your goods safely from A to B. By equipping yourself with knowledge about these top-tier companies, you’ll make informed decisions that suit your specific needs best.
Shipping Companies Industry in India
- India has a coastline of over 7,500 km and around 200 ports. Maritime transport handles around 70% of India’s trading in value terms.
- As of 2021, India owns over 30% of the global market share in the shipbreaking industry and is home to Alang’s largest shipbreaking facility.
- The top 10 shipping companies in India by net profit in 2022 are Great Eastern Shipping Company, Shipping Corporation of India, Essar Shipping, Mercator, GE Shipping, Varun Shipping, Seaways Shipping & Logistics, Chowgule Steamships, etc.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust is the largest major port in India, while Mundra is the largest private port.
- The Ministry of Shipping has identified potential cargo movement of 340 million tonnes per annum through coastal shipping.
- The government has introduced fiscal incentives for enterprises developing, maintaining and operating ports, inland waterways and shipbuilding.
- India’s shipbuilding industry accounts for less than 1% of the global market. It faces competition from other Asian countries.
- The shipping and logistics industry contributes around 13-14% to India’s GDP as of 2021.
- Leading shipping companies in India include Maersk Line, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, CMA CGM, Evergreen Line, Hapag-Lloyd, etc.
The expansion and efficiency in shipping also benefit other sectors, such as consumer durable companies in India, by ensuring timely delivery of goods.
Shipping Companies in India
Here is a list of the top 10 shipping companies in India :
These companies are known for their reliability, innovation, and global connectivity. They offer various services, such as container shipping, tanker vessels, and bulk carriers. When choosing a shipping company, consider factors like shipping routes, container types and sizes, transit times, customer service, and sustainability
| Company | Revenue (2022) |
|---|---|
| Maersk Line India | ₹2,57,088 crores |
| MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company | ₹2,34,624 crores |
| CMA CGM | ₹6,05,500 crores |
| Hapag-Lloyd | ₹2,92,600 crores |
| Evergreen Line | ₹1,53,675 crores |
| Ocean Network Express | ₹2,41,000 crores |
| Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation | ₹9,34,500 crores |
| The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd | ₹5,794 crores |
| Essar Shipping Ltd | ₹176 crores |
| Cochin Shipyard Ltd | ₹2,536 crores |
1. Maersk Line India
Let’s focus on one of the top players in the Indian shipping industry, Maersk Line India. This impressive subsidiary is part of a global shipping giant, Maersk. Although profit specific to its Indian operations isn’t available, Maersk globally enjoyed a massive profit surge – up 57% from 2021 to ₹2,57,088 crores in 2022.
The company currently employs around 921 people in India and has seen a whopping 22% increase in its global workforce year-on-year. With approximately 104,000 employees worldwide as of 2022, it’s clear that this is no small operation.
Maersk Line India specialises in shipping and logistics services, which include:
- Container shipping
- Port terminals
- Supply chain management
- Inland services
Their primary clients are some heavyweights – the top 200 global customers contribute to almost half (46%) of Maersk’s total revenue!
Their headquarters are located right at the heart of Mumbai city, while their Global HQ resides in Copenhagen, Denmark. Despite being so far apart geographically, they’ve managed to maintain consistent standards across locations.
In recent years, they’ve been raking up achievements like launching new routes such as The Shaheen Express, which connects India-UAE-Saudi Arabia and creating more sustainable distribution networks by introducing over 500 electric vehicles into their fleet for India operations.
Founded in 1904 by Peter Mærsk Møller and Arnold Peter Møller – Danish entrepreneurs with a vision – Maersk quickly rose to become one of the leading global names within the industry. Their journey into the Indian market began much later, though – starting only about two decades ago in ’97.
With a hefty global market share of container shipping capacity at around 17%, it’s evident that they’re not just surviving but thriving! They’re also making strides in the realm of sustainable fuels by investing heavily in biofuels and green methanol.
They’ve been ranked as a Great Place to Work in India, a testimonial to their commitment towards employee satisfaction.
Maersk Line India is part of an extensive network of over 900 subsidiaries globally, all working together towards common goals under the leadership of CEO Vincent Clerc and Chairman Jim Hagemann Snabe.
Maersk Line India has shown immense growth despite ongoing supply chain disruptions. Through new routes, electric vehicles for distribution networks and end-to-end supply chain solutions for clients.
2. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
Diving into the world of shipping, you’ll find that the MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company is a true giant. Attracting an impressive revenue of ₹2,34,624 crores in 2022 alone, it’s clear why this company stands tall among its competitors. The earnings for June 2021 to June 2022 were estimated at nearly ₹2,24,640 crores – a testament to their solid performance.
With an army of approximately 150,000 employees worldwide, they’ve been able to serve their customers effectively and efficiently. Their main products are not limited to sea transport; they also provide land and air cargo transportation services.
This global leader in container shipping caters to various industries such as food, clothing, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. They’ve built a reputation for being reliable partners in moving all types of cargo across oceans.
| Revenue (2022) | $28.2 billion |
| Estimated Earnings (June ’21-’22) | Nearly $27 billion |
| Number of Employees | 150,000 |
Although headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC has managed to leave its footprint across the globe. Their journey from operating one vessel in 1970 to becoming one of the most significant container shipping lines is remarkable.
A glance at their market share reveals another feather in their cap – with an unrivaled 18.2% global market share in liner shipping.
In recognition of their service excellence and industry-leading position, MSC was crowned ‘Sea Freight Company of the Year’ at the Multimodal Awards held recently in 2023.
Notably leading this successful venture is Captain Gianluigi Aponte, who founded MSC back in 1970 alongside Group President Diego Aponte. These two figures have played pivotal roles throughout MSC’s evolution and expansion phase.
This multi-faceted company continues to make waves in the shipping industry, setting new standards and breaking barriers with its innovative solutions and services.
3. CMA CGM
Step into the world of CMA CGM, a shipping titan that has made its mark on the global stage. With an impressive revenue of $74.5 billion (₹6,05,500 crore) and a net profit of $24.9 billion (₹2,02,850 crore), it’s no wonder they’re among the top three container shipping companies worldwide.
Established in 1978 by Jacques Saadé in Marseille, France, CMA CGM quickly rose to prominence, becoming the top shipping company between Asia and the Mediterranean by the late 1980s. Today, with over 155,000 employees under its wing and operations spread across more than 160 countries, their influence is felt far and wide.
CMA CGM offers premium services such as container shipping services alongside logistics and freight forwarding services. They’ve worked with high-profile clients like Port Everglades and Qatar Airways while also fostering solid partnerships like their tie-up with Energy Observer for zero-emission shipping.
They’re dedicated to research and development, focusing on energy transition and zero-emission shipping solutions – a testament to their commitment to sustainable practices.
Despite challenges faced in recent times, CMA CGM showcased an exceptional annual performance in 2022, winning them recognition in industry circles. Their strategic acquisitions, like CEVA Logistics in 2019 and the launch of subsidiary CMA CGM Air Cargo in 2021, further solidify their hold on the market.
So there you have it – from humble beginnings to becoming one of global leaders today: that’s been CMA CGM’s journey so far! With Rodolphe Saadé at the helm as Chairman and CEO continuously pushing boundaries, we can only expect even greater things from them moving forward.
4. Hapag-Lloyd
Diving headfirst into the world of container shipping, let’s talk about Hapag-Lloyd. With a whopping ₹2,92,600 crores in revenue and an impressive profit of ₹1,57,150 crores to match, it’s clear why they’re a force to be reckoned with.
| Revenue (₹ Crores) | Profit (₹ Crores) |
|---|---|
| 2,92,600 | 1,57,150 |
Their success isn’t just down to numbers – although with over 14k employees worldwide, they’re certainly not short-staffed.
Hapag-Lloyd offers top-tier container shipping and transportation services. They’re the go-to for importers and exporters dealing in containerised cargo on a global scale.
Its headquarters may be tucked away in Hamburg, Germany, but its influence spans the globe. So far, one of their most significant feats has been their record-shattering performance in 2022, where revenue and EBIT leapt up by 55% and 79%, respectively! On top of that, their fleet now boasts an enviable total capacity of three million TEUs across 258 vessels.
To further solidify its position as an industry leader, Hapag-Lloyd acquired Deutsche Afrika-Linien, expanding its African business significantly.
They also play a leading role as part of THE Alliance – a vessel-sharing partnership between several major shipping companies.
Established back in the early ’70s through the merger of Hamburg-American Line (dating back to 1847!) and North German Lloyd, this company has solid roots extending centuries!
With such history coupled with innovation, it’s no wonder they hold a firm grip on approximately seven percent of the global container shipping market!
They’ve got some serious focus on digitalisation, too – keeping up with modern times while pushing towards sustainability.
They’ve been awarded the Logistics Oscar from the German Logistics Association for their contributions towards sustainability.
Mergers and acquisitions are also a significant part of Hapag-Lloyd’s strategy. In addition to acquiring Deutsche Afrika-Linien in 2022, they hold a majority stake in a joint venture with Chinese company SIPG.
Rolf Habben Jansen, the CEO, is at the helm of this behemoth, ensuring its steady course through the competitive waters of global shipping.
5. Evergreen Line
Emerging onto the scene in 1968, Evergreen Line was founded by Dr. Yung-Fa Chang in Taiwan. It wasn’t until 2007 that they adopted ‘Evergreen Line’ as their unified brand, cementing their place within the shipping industry.
The company’s primary offering is container shipping services, transporting cargo in containers worldwide. They’re known for their innovative approach to business; they’ve developed energy-saving and eco-friendly ships, which set them apart from competitors. This innovation hasn’t gone unnoticed, and they were awarded the LOG-NET E-Commerce Excellence Award in 2022.
Their headquarters lie in Luzhu District, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, employing over 10,001 people globally. In terms of financials, for ₹1,53,675 crore ($20.5 billion) revenue, they have managed to gain a net profit of ₹17,925 crore ($2.39 billion).
| Financial Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Revenue | ₹1,53,675 crore ($20.5 billion) |
| Net Profit | ₹17,925 crore ($2.39 billion) |
When it comes to major achievements and milestones achieved by Evergreen Line, it’s currently the world’s 4th largest container shipping company by capacity and operates over 180 container ships with a capacity of 650k TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). Back in 2015, they launched the world’s largest container ships, further solidifying their global presence.
In an effort to provide seamless services to its customers worldwide, it formed strategic partnerships with MSC in 2022 and is also part of the OCEAN Alliance, including CMA CGM & OOCL, among others.
This Taiwanese giant has a market share of about 4% based on capacity within the global container shipping industry, which speaks volumes about its prowess within this sector.
Through subsidiaries like Uniglory Marine Corp, Evergreen UK Ltd and Italia Marittima S.p.A., Evergreen Line has extended its reach across the globe. Notable individuals include Dr. Yung-Fa Chang, their founder, who was instrumental in shaping the company’s direction and success.
In a nutshell, Evergreen Line is an integral player within India’s shipping industry due to its innovative approach to business, strategic partnerships, and commitment to providing top-notch container shipping services globally.
These shipping companies excel in marine transportation and often collaborate with courier companies in India for end-to-end delivery solutions.
6. Ocean Network Express
Let’s turn our focus to Ocean Network Express, a major player in the shipping industry. Born out of a merger between three Japanese shipping giants – NYK, MOL and K Line, it was formed in 2017 and has quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with. With headquarters located in Singapore, this company services key markets across Asia, Europe and North America.
Ocean Network Express had an impressive financial performance in 2022. The revenue clocked up was a staggering $30.1 billion (₹2,41,000 crore), while profit reached $15 billion (₹1,20,000 crore). This is quite remarkable considering its relatively young age compared to other established shipping companies.
In terms of workforce strength, there are around 1,200 individuals employed at Ocean Network Express. They play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth operations for their primary offering – container shipping services covering various routes from Asia to North America and Europe, amongst others.
The company caters primarily to importers and exporters looking to ship goods globally. However, what sets them apart is their continuous strive for innovation, as evidenced by their notable achievements and partnerships. For instance, they launched the world’s largest container ship – the 24k TEU ONE Innovation in 2022. Additionally, they partnered with Pipefy to digitise and automate accounts payable workflows, showing clear intent towards embracing digital transformation.
In its pursuit of sustainability, Ocean Network Express also shows outstanding commitment through its research & development initiatives, such as installing telematics devices across the reefer fleet for increased efficiency.
At present, it stands as the sixth-largest container shipping line globally, holding approximately 4% of the market share, which underlines its growing influence within the industry.
Ocean Network Express is indeed making waves in the shipping industry, and we’ll certainly be watching their journey closely.
7. Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation
When it comes to shipping companies that are making waves, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation is one you can’t overlook. With headquarters in Keelung, Taiwan, this corporation has been sailing the seas since December 28, 1972. It’s not just about longevity, though – Yang Ming boasts an impressive portfolio of services and achievements.
Primarily known for their container shipping services, they’ve got a global reach covering Asia, Europe, America and Australia. They also offer bulk shipping services and have a robust presence in terminal operations and stevedoring services. By joining THE Alliance along with Hapag-Lloyd, HMM Co Ltd and Ocean Network Express, they’ve expanded their service to provide 34 routes across various markets.
In 2022 alone, Yang Ming achieved consolidated revenues of NTD 375.9 billion (approximately ₹9,34,500 crores), with after-tax profits reaching NTD 180.6 billion (around ₹4,48,500 crores). This was no small feat, considering the company operates with a workforce of about 5,331 employees.
Their dedication to sustainability has won them several awards, including the Taiwan Top 100 Sustainability Exemplary Awards and Corporate Sustainability Awards and the Ship of the Year award from The Taiwan Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.
Finally, let’s shed some light on its subsidiaries and acquisitions, further boosting its capabilities: Yes Logistics Corp., Jing Ming Transport Co., container terminals in Taiwan, Belgium, Netherlands, and USA are all part of the broader Yang Ming Group alongside stevedoring services!
8. The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd
Diving into the details, you’ll find The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI) is a leading entity in the Indian maritime industry. Founded through the unification of Eastern Shipping Corporation and Western Shipping Corporation in 1961, SCI has grown exponentially. Today, it stands as a Public Sector Undertaking under the control of India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
SCI had quite an impressive run in 2022 in terms of revenue and profit. They reported a whopping ₹5,793.95 crores revenue with a net profit reaching ₹870.16 crores.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Revenue | ₹5,793 crores |
| Net Profit | ₹870 crores |
With its headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra – SCI employs approximately 554 people as of January 2022.
Their services are indeed wide-ranging, from maritime freight forwarding that includes tankers, bulk carriers, container services to offshore operations and coastal & passenger services. Not stopping there – breakbulk and chartering are also part of their rich portfolio. It owns about one-third of Indian cargo, making it significant within the market share. They have bagged the prestigious Samudra Manthan Award.
“Shipping Corporation of India Land and Assets Limited” falls under its wing too.
9. Essar Shipping Ltd
Based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Essar Shipping Ltd is a front-runner in the Indian shipping industry. With revenue clocking ₹176.68 crore and a net profit of ₹43.69 crore in FY 2022, it’s clear that this company is making significant strides.
| Amount (₹ Crore) | Amount (₹ Million) | |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue for FY 2022 | 176 | 1,766 |
| Net Profit for FY 2022 | 43 | 436 |
Employing between 201 to 500 staff members, they are committed to delivering high-quality services across various domains, including crude oil and product transportation services, end-to-end logistics services from ships to ports, lighterage services to plants, intra-plant logistics and dispatching finished products as well as contract drilling services.
Their exceptional service quality has garnered them critical clients among leading Indian and global oil majors and commodity traders. It’s noteworthy that Essar Shipping Ltd was the first Indian company to operate in the waters of the Atlantic. Adding another feather to its cap is the approval of all its Suezmax tankers by oil majors, which fetches them a premium in freight.
The company takes pride in achieving business milestones and investing significantly towards sustainable technologies like paperless navigation and fitting scrubbers on board to make vessel emissions IMO compliant; they have even invested time into earning Green Passports!
Initially founded in 1945 and incorporated in 2010 as part of the renowned Essar Group conglomerate, this organization has grown extensively with acquisitions like Essar Logistics Ltd and Essar Oilfields Services Ltd, among others, under its belt.
Essar Shipping Ltd is a perfect example of an organization combining tradition with modernity while maintaining a steadfast commitment to sustainability.
10. Cochin Shipyard Ltd
Dive into the world of Cochin Shipyard Ltd, India’s largest public-sector shipyard and a titan in its industry. Nestled in Kochi, Kerala, this company is renowned locally and makes international waves with clients like Aker DOF Supply and ATCO Saudi Arabia.
As of March 2019, they employed a robust workforce of 1,744 individuals. Their profit margin was a whopping ₹448.50 crore (US$56 million), generated from a substantial revenue of ₹2,536.94 crore (US$320 million). These figures illustrate the financial muscle that backs their operations.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd’s primary services encompass shipbuilding, ship repair and marine engineering training. They’ve built relationships with key clients such as the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and the Shipping Corporation of India – all vital players in India’s maritime sector.
Their achievements are nothing short of impressive:
- Building India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant
- Constructing various naval ships for the Indian Navy
- Crafting their first international vessel, MV Rani Padmini, back in 1981
Currently working on building Next Generation Missile Vessels for the Indian Navy while fostering partnerships with organizations like Inland Water Authority to set up ship repair facilities in Assam.
Established as an entity under the Government of India in 1972, Cochin Shipyard took flight nine years later when it built its first ship, MV Rani Padmini. Over time, it evolved into what it is today – a Miniratna company since 2008 that made its initial public offering and listing on stock markets by 2017.
They’ve got over 45% of the shipbuilding and repair market. Additionally, they’re focused on bolstering their in-house design capabilities through dedicated research and development.
They’ve also been honoured with the Raksha Mantri’s Award for Excellence for Indigenous Design Efforts (2016) and the EEPC India National Award for Export Excellence (2017-18).
Last, Madhu S. Nair, the Chairman & Managing Director, is steering this ship. Under his leadership, Cochin Shipyard is sailing smoothly toward a future filled with more success stories.
In summary, Cochin Shipyard Ltd’s impressive portfolio speaks volumes about its commitment to quality service delivery and innovation in India’s maritime industry.
The prowess of these shipping companies is comparable to the advancements seen in other industries, like electric vehicle manufacturing in India, which is also making global strides.
Conclusion:
After a deep dive into the world of shipping companies in India, you’ve now got a clear picture of the top players in this vital industry. These organizations aren’t just names on a list; they drive the country’s economy, playing critical roles in trade, logistics, and employment.
Each one has its unique strengths – perhaps it’s an extensive network spanning multiple continents, their commitment to eco-friendly operations, or their investment in cutting-edge technology that sets them apart.
However, all these companies have in common their dedication to facilitating smoother international trade for India. They’ve proven themselves through sheer size, consistency, and resilience amid changing market dynamics.
While these shipping giants are leading in maritime transport, explore other key players in the Indian economy, such as top wellness companies, for a broader perspective on the nation’s industrial landscape.
Keep this guide handy next time you need reliable information about shipping companies operating out of one of Asia’s busiest hubs!
