India’s shipping industry remains a significant driving force in the country’s economy since the sector accounts for around 90% of the country’s trade in volume and around 70% in terms of value.
Being one of the biggest maritime countries around the globe, India owns more than 12 major ports and over 200 non-major ports, constituting a large network for domestic and international shipping activities. Indian shipping remains one of the country’s key sectors in terms of trade and economy, an industry that has moved over 1.4 billion metric tons annually to date in 2023.
Maritime transport accounts for about 70% of India’s trade value and more than 95% by volume, making it a highly significant part of the global supply chain. With its approximate 7,500 kilometers of coastline, India boasts a large maritime infrastructure with some 229 ports, including major ports such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
This industry field offers many career opportunities for job seekers, from marine engineering and logistics management to managing port operations, shipbuilding, and freight forwarding. In the eyes of India, growth in the global trade sector will increase the demand for skilled professionals in the shipping sector.
While highlighting the Top 20 Shipping Companies in India, this blog throws light on those who would be at the helm and their various career opportunities for those who wish to create an impact in this dynamic sector.
List of Top 20 Shipping Companies in India
1. Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd
Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd (G E Shipping) is India’s largest private shipping company, with more than four decades of experience in maritime operations.
For its global presence and well-entrenched offices in India, Dubai, Singapore, and London, G E Shipping operates a varied fleet of crude oil tankers, product tankers, bulk carriers, gas carriers, and offshore supply vessels, along with conducting business in offshore oilfield operations and the transport business.
With high commitments towards safety, quality, and sustainability, it has received recognition and awards that are simply unexpected and exceptional, making it the best shipping company in India.
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
No. of employees: 500+
Average salary: 2.4 lakhs
Website: https://www.greatship.com/
Services Offered:
- Shipping Services
- Offshore Oilfield Services
2. Essar Ports
Essar Ports is one of India’s largest private port operators, having been established in the year 2001 and headquartered in Mumbai, with a strong focus on bulk cargo.
The company specializes in managing imports and exports of bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, and crude oil, thereby playing a vital role in the industrial supply chains of India. Essar Ports operates a network of major ports and terminals, offering a complete package of port management and cargo handling.
Facilities are strategically located to achieve quick turnaround times and smooth operations, capable of handling industries in energy, steel, and infrastructure. Essar Ports has earned a repute in expertise in handling bulk cargo for decades, thereby meeting India’s growing demand for these critical and basic materials in the economy.
The company continued investing in its infrastructure and technology to stay firmly atop the Indian shipping and logistics industry.
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
No. of employees: 500
Average salary: 12.9 lakhs
Website: https://essarports.com/
Services Offered:
- Bulk Cargo Handling
- Port Operations
- Terminal Management
- Cargo Storage and Logistics
- Ship Loading and Unloading
- Custom Clearance Services
- Transportation and Distribution.
3. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), at Navi Mumbai, is India’s largest and most important container port, playing a vital role in the country’s maritime trade and economic growth. Established in 1989, JNPT handles vast volumes of container cargo, serving as a crucial hub for shipping companies in India and an indispensable gateway for international trade.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust manages the port which offers a variety of services, including container handling, port management, and logistics support. Due to this, it is one of the key players in India’s shipping industry with state-of-the-art infrastructure and an extensive network for operations.
This all together ensures efficient operational performance contributing to the smooth movement of goods across the globe. Located in Navi Mumbai and boasting modern infrastructural facilities, it serves as a gateway for cargo transport to some of the major global markets and the growing Indian economy.
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
No. of employees: 5
Average salary: 3 lakhs
Website: https://www.jnport.gov.in/
Services Offered:
- Container Handling
- Port Management
4. Varun Shipping Co. Ltd
Varun Shipping Co. Ltd is a well-established Indian shipping company that has developed a niche for transporting crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied petroleum gas.
The company operates a versatile fleet of tankers ranging from 30,000 DWT to 310,000 DWT, which caters to both domestic and international clients, be it public or private sector entities. It ensures the security of crew, cargo, and the environment, since quality and safety are priorities, with which Varun Shipping is well known.
Such commitment to excellence gets more than one confirmation through its multiple certifications for both its quality and environmental management systems.
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
No. of Employees: 170
Average salary: 9.7 lakhs
Website: http://varunship.in/
Services Offered:
- Crude Oil Transportation
- Petroleum Product Transportation
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Transportation
5. The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd
The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd is an enterprise owned by the government which has a very important role to play in the Indian maritime sector with international operations.
Its varying fleet consists of tankers, bulk carriers, container vessels, passenger-cum-cargo vessels, and offshore supply vessels that cater to oil and gas, iron and steel, and agricultural industries. SCI has systematically featured as one of India’s prominent shipping companies over the years and has received many accolades for its performance.
It has evolved a strong emphasis on safety, sustainability, and social responsibility and is diligently executing initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint.
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
No. of employees: 554
Average salary: 5.6 lakhs
Website: https://www.shipindia.com/
Services Offered:
- Tanker Services
- Bulk Carrier Services
- Container Shipping
- Passenger-cum-Cargo Services
- Offshore Supply Vessel Operations
6. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd, one of the leading shipping companies in India, is the largest private port and logistics company, with a presence in ten ports across the country.
It offers a comprehensive range of facilities, including bulk terminals, container terminals, and special economic zones, which cater to multiple industries such as coal, petrochemicals, and automobiles.
The company has won many accolades for its outstanding operations and maintains an Indian top port operator ranking.
APSEZ is committed to safety, efficiency, and sustainability through major investments in infrastructure and technology and initiatives to reduce environmental impacts as well as uplift the standard of the local communities.
Headquarters: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
No. of employees: 2,919
Average salary: 10. 2 lakhs
Website: https://www.adaniports.com/
Services Offered:
- Bulk Terminal Operations
- Container Terminal Operations
- Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Development
- Logistics Services for Coal, Petrochemicals, and Automobiles
7. Cochin Shipyard Ltd.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL), set up in 1972, is one of India’s largest shipbuilding and maintenance facilities, strategically on the west coast with a sprawling 300-acre shipyard.
CSL is recognized for its quality and safety standards and offers services that include shipbuilding, ship repair, and offshore structure fabrication. Its shipbuilding unit builds all kinds of vessels, including tankers, bulk carriers, passenger ships, and offshore vessels.
The ship repair unit supports naval ships as well as offshore rigs for drilling. Moreover, CSL builds offshore structures such as oil platforms and has continued to expand its business by entering into joint ventures and investing heavily in research and development to ensure its global competitiveness.
Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala
No. of employees: 1,744
Average salary: 20.1 lakhs
Website: https://cochinshipyard.in/
Services Offered:
- Shipbuilding
- Ship Repair and Maintenance
- Offshore Structure Fabrication
- Naval Ship Repair
- Offshore Drilling Rig Maintenance
8. Transworld Shipping Lines Ltd.
Transworld Shipping Lines Ltd. is an Indian-owned container shipping company based in Mumbai since 1988. As one of the leading logistics firms in Mumbai, the company operates a fleet of 13 vessels with domestic and international routes and offers services in container shipping, logistics, and project cargo management.
The company is recognized for its reliability, quality service, long-standing relationships, and embracing technology and innovation to grow and make its operations more efficient as well as cost-effective. Investments in high-tech solutions, such as vessel performance monitoring and electronic document management, symbolize its efforts towards modernization of its operations.
Under its growth plan, Transworld Shipping Lines Ltd. has grown through acquisitions and added new vessels to cope with the increasing demand for container shipping in India.
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
No. of employees: 30
Average salary: 2.7 lakhs
Website: https://www.transworld.com/transworld-shipping-lines/
Services Offered:
- Container Shipping
- Logistics Services
- Project Cargo Management
9. Bharati Shipyard Ltd.
Bharati Shipyard Ltd., established in 1973 and headquartered in Mumbai, is a prominent name among shipping companies in India, specializing in shipbuilding and repair operations from its Ratnagiri shipyard.
It offers several services, including ship repair, fabrication, and offshore structures, where it has been recognized for quality and safety standards. Its shipbuilding unit is capable of building different types of ships, such as tankers, bulk carriers, passenger ships, and offshore vessels- proof of the company’s strength and mastery in the maritime industry.
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
No. of employees: 487
Average salary: 4.8 lakhs
Website: https://bdil.co.in/
Services Offered:
- Shipbuilding
- Ship Repair and Maintenance
- Offshore Structure Fabrication
10. Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited
Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited, located in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, is one of the best Indian ports. The port is known for its efficiency and productivity, with all types of cargo such as containers, bulk, and liquid cargo, catering to modern infrastructure – a container terminal of 1.35 million TEUs.
Known for operational excellence and excellent customer service, GPPL also works to be a sustainability leader, winning awards like the Golden Peacock Eco-Innovation Award for its initiatives in renewable energy and working towards lowering carbon footprint through the Indian Green Energy Award.
Headquarters: Amreli, Gujarat
No. of employees: 500+
Average salary: 3.1 lakhs
Website: https://www.apmterminals.com/en/pipavav
Services Offered:
- Container Cargo Handling
- Bulk Cargo Services
- Liquid Cargo Services
11. Global Offshore Service Ltd.
Global Offshore Service Ltd. (GOSL) is among the top shipping companies in India, providing offshore support services to the Indian oil and gas industry.
GOSL focuses on offshore logistics, marine transportation services, and submarine projects, utilizing the expertise of a seasoned team and its modern fleet of vessels to ensure prompt, efficient, and dependable solutions for clients.
Operating under an emphasis on safety and environment, it is covered with certifications on ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001. GOSL’s establishment commitment to excellence in delivery and its other commitments toward health, safety, and environmental standards have gained some recognition in the industry.
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
No. of employees: 20
Average salary: 7.8 lakhs
Website: https://globaloffshore.in/
Services Offered:
- Offshore Logistics
- Marine Transportation
- Subsea Services
12. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilder Ltd.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilder Ltd. is a leading Indian shipbuilding company focused on the construction of warships and submarines for the Indian Navy.
The shipyard has modern facilities, ensuring quality products, while the project execution is overseen by a team of professional engineers who monitor every stage, from the design to the delivery of the ships. Other than shipbuilding, MDL provides after-sales services and crew training to extend the vessels’ shelf-life and performance.
This has earned the company many accolades, among them the Rajbhasha Shield as the best implementer of the Hindi language in the organization.
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
No. of employees: 4972
Average salary: 3.6 lakhs
Website: https://mazagondock.in/
Services Offered:
- Warship Construction
- Submarine Building
- After-Sales Services
- Crew Training for Navy
13. Anglo Eastern Shipping Ltd.
Anglo Eastern Shipping Ltd., founded in 1974, is one of the world’s leading ship management companies providing top-notch maritime solutions. The company has over 700 vessels under management and operations in more than 25 countries, providing services that run the gamut from ship management, crew management, technical management, new building supervision, and ship inspection, among others.
Anglo-Eastern is committed to sustainability through its initiatives that reduce waste, prevent pollution, and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. The company was awarded the Green Initiative of the Year at the Seatrade Maritime Awards Asia in 2021 in recognition of its efforts toward environmental sustainability.
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
No. of employees: Around 2,250 shore staff and over 39,000 seafarers
Average salary: 23.9 lakhs
Website: https://www.angloeastern.com/
Services Offered:
- Ship Management
- Crew Management
- Technical Management
- New Building Supervision
- Ship Inspection Services
14. Mediterranean Shipping Company
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), a global leader in container shipping, also collaborates with prominent shipping companies in India, operating a fleet of over 570 vessels across 155 countries.
It has built over 500 offices around the world, providing quality shipping services to all its customers.
Having an increasing presence in India, the company launched a new service connecting India with Europe and the Mediterranean back in 2021, augmenting shipping options and offering more efficient solutions to customers, reinforcing its commitment to meeting demand on a global scale.
Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
No. of employees: 30,000
Average salary: 6 lakhs
Website: https://www.msc.com/
Services Offered:
- Container Shipping
- Global Shipping Services
- India-Europe Mediterranean Service
15. CMA-CGM Group
CMA-CGM is a global leader in container shipping and logistics services. The company was founded in 1978 and owns more than 550 vessels operating in over 160 countries.
The company provides a full range of services encompassing container shipping, logistics, and supply chain management. In 2021, for instance, CMA-CGM introduced a new service between India and the Middle East and continues to connect its customers with quicker and more reliable shipping options.
Dedicated to enriching customer experience, CMA-CGM has invested heavily in digital solutions, including a mobile app featuring real-time call tracking software and the option to place online bookings.
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
No. of employees: 155,000
Average salary: 1.2 lakhs
Website: https://www.cma-cgm.com/
Services Offered:
- Container Shipping
- Logistics Services
- Supply Chain Management
- India-Middle East Shipping Service
- Digital Solutions (Real-Time Tracking, Online Booking)
16. A.P. Moller – Maersk Group
A.P. Moller – Maersk Group is the world’s largest container shipping company, with a fleet of over 700 vessels, and a presence in more than 120 countries.
The company provides a wide gamut of services: container shipping, logistics, and supply chain management. Their footprint in India has been expanding. To realize the new service connecting India with the Mediterranean, Maersk concluded its debut in 2021.
The company demonstrates dedication to sustainability and its goal to become carbon neutral by 2050 by continuously investing in green solutions like biofuels and carbon capture as measures to alleviate carbon footprints.
For its efforts in environmental protection, Maersk won the Seatrade Maritime Award for Environmental Protection in 2021.
Headquarters: New Delhi, India
No. of employees: 105,908 (2023)
Average salary: 27 lakhs
Website: https://www.maersk.com/about
Services Offered:
- Container Shipping
- Logistics Services
- Supply Chain Management
- India-Mediterranean Shipping Service
- Green Solutions (Biofuels, Carbon Capture)
17. Schlumberger
Schlumberger, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, is one of the world’s leading oilfield services companies, operating in more than 120 countries.
The company offers a wide range of services to the oil and gas industry, such as exploration, production, refining, well testing, drilling, and well intervention. Schlumberger also provides a wide range of advanced technologies such as seismic imaging, drilling software, and reservoir monitoring.
Schlumberger has seen more than 80 years of operations in India and has been a driver in the development of the country’s oil and gas fields. Today, it is all about sustainable development and being a company that takes pride in developing its resources without damaging the environment.
Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra
No. of employees: 111,000 (2023)
Average salary: 2 lakhs
Website: https://www.slb.com/
Services Offered:
- Oil and Gas Exploration
- Production and Refining
- Well Testing, Drilling, and Intervention
- Seismic Imaging
- Drilling Software
- Reservoir Monitoring
18. Halliburton
Halliburton, a Houston-based company founded in 1919, collaborates with shipping companies in India to support the oil and gas industry in over 80 countries.
Halliburton offers diverse services to the oil and gas industry, including exploration, drilling, production, well testing, completion, intervention, and drilling software and equipment.
Halliburton also offers its clients consulting services to operate more efficiently. Halliburton has a strong presence in India for over 25 years and supports the country’s oil and gas industry through its major projects.
As a committed environmental steward, Halliburton strives to reduce its impact on the environment.
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
No. of employees: 48,000 (2023)
Average salary: 1.3 lakhs
Website: https://www.halliburton.com/
Services Offered:
- Oil and Gas Exploration
- Drilling and Production
- Well Testing, Completion, and Intervention
- Drilling Software and Equipment
- Consulting Services
- Environmental Sustainability Initiatives
19. Baker Hughes
Baker Hughes, the leading oilfield services company across the globe, has been operating in India for over 60 years. They have a wide array of services and products that they provide, including drilling, evaluation, completion, production, and intervention.
Advanced technology solutions and innovative products have earned the company a strong presence in the country, including a state-of-the-art training facility.
Baker Hughes has also been involved in some of the most significant major projects, such as the Mumbai High South Redevelopment, installing new platforms, and drilling new wells. It has also contributed to the development of unconventional oil and gas resources, which include shale gas and tight oil.
Baker Hughes is committed to sustainability, and it was awarded the ‘Green Supply Chain Award’ in 2018 for its contribution to reducing environmental impact.
Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana
No. of employees: 58,000 (2023)
Average salary: 3.6 lakhs
Website: https://www.bakerhughes.com/
Services Offered:
- Drilling, Evaluation, and Completion
- Production and Intervention
- Technology Solutions
- Unconventional Oil and Gas Resource Development (Shale Gas, Tight Oil)
- Workforce Development and Training
- Sustainability Initiatives
20. Petrofac
Petrofac is an international oil and gas service provider positioned strategically in India. The company offers a broad spectrum of services such as engineering, construction, operations and maintenance, and training.
Petrofac has a strong track record of delivering complex projects in India, including some of the country’s largest projects in the oil and gas sector, such as the construction of the Mundra LNG terminal and participating in the KG-D6 deepwater gas project development.
It also aimed to create a local Indian workforce by investing in training and development programs to increase their employees’ skills.
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
No. of employees: 7,950 (2023)
Average salary: 5.8 lakhs
Website: https://www.petrofac.com/
Services Offered:
- Engineering and Construction
- Operations and Maintenance
- Training and Development
- LNG Terminal Construction
- Deepwater Gas Project Development
- Workforce Development
Top Jobs in the Shipping industry of India
The Indian shipping sector has a number of career choices in each department, considering the long stretch of coastline, busy ports, and high seafood trade in the country. Some of the top jobs in the Indian shipping sector are as follows:
1. Ship Captain / Master Mariner
Role: Oversee the entire ship’s operations, navigation, and safety.
Requirements: Extensive maritime experience and a Master’s degree in Marine Engineering or Nautical Science, along with a certification from the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS).
2. Marine Engineer
Role: Responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operation of the ship’s machinery and systems.
Requirements: Degree in Marine Engineering and certification from DGS.
3. Deck Officer (Second Mate, Chief Officer)
Role: Manage navigation, safety equipment, and cargo operations on the ship.
Requirements: Degree or diploma in Nautical Science and certification as per DGS guidelines.
4. Port Manager
Role: Oversee the day-to-day operations of a port, including logistics, cargo handling, and safety regulations.
Requirements: Degree in Port Management or Logistics, along with experience in port operations.
5. Shipping Logistics Manager
Role: Coordinate the transportation and distribution of goods across sea routes, ensuring timely deliveries.
Requirements: Background in logistics management or supply chain management.
6. Cargo Superintendent
Role: Manage cargo operations at ports, ensuring correct loading, unloading, and handling of goods.
Requirements: Experience in logistics and cargo management.
7. Marine Surveyor
Role: Inspect ships to ensure they are seaworthy, comply with regulations, and are insured.
Requirements: Certification in Marine Surveying with relevant work experience.
8. Shipping Executive / Coordinator
Role: Handle documentation, booking, and logistics coordination for cargo shipments.
Requirements: Degree in logistics, supply chain, or maritime studies.
9. Harbour Pilot
Role: Assist ships in navigating through harbors, docking, and undocking safely.
Requirements: Certification from a recognized maritime academy and hands-on experience in navigation.
10. Marine Environmental Specialist
Role: Ensure that ships comply with environmental regulations, including waste disposal and emission controls.
Requirements: Degree in Environmental Science or related fields.
11. Customs Officer
Role: Ensure that goods transported via ships comply with customs regulations, tariffs, and duties.
Requirements: Government exams and a background in commerce or international trade.
12. Shipping Broker
Role: Facilitate the buying and selling of ships or cargo space for shipping companies.
Requirements: In-depth knowledge of shipping markets and trade regulations.
13. Logistics Manager (Shipping)
Role: Manage shipping schedules, cargo handling, and ensure efficient use of resources.
Requirements: Degree in logistics or supply chain management, and experience in shipping operations.
14. Marine Insurance Underwriter
Role: Evaluate the risk and determine the premium for insuring ships and cargo.
Requirements: Knowledge of marine insurance policies and risk assessment.
15. Ship Broker
Role: Act as an intermediary between ship owners and cargo owners to facilitate shipping agreements.
Requirements: Knowledge of shipping contracts, logistics, and maritime law.
These roles provide an opportunity to diversify upon skill sets, qualifications, and experience within the maritime or logistics sector in India. The Indian shipping industry continues to grow and hence provides opportunities both for domestic and international careers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, shipping in India plays a vital role in the nation’s trade and economic growth. The shipping industry boasts many companies providing a range of services, such as cargo transportation, port management, and logistics.
The top 20 shipping companies in India listed in this blog reveal the diversity, innovation, and strength of India’s maritime sector. Whether a global player with a large fleet or an individual regional operator excelling in niche services, this category of companies adds a great deal of value to the position of the country as the hub of the region.
For professionals keen on planning a career in shipping or businesses looking for reliable shipping partners, these companies would be the best of what India’s shipping industry has to offer. Yet, with technological and environmental advancements, the industry continues to evolve and grow to be an exciting and crucial sector for India’s future.
FAQs
What is the role of shipping firms in India?
Shipping firms in India carry all national and international commodities and goods. This company takes control of the exportation of goods through the sea routes to ensure proper port handling, timely delivery, and adherence to the maritime law. Shipping companies are vital to international trade and the country’s logistics sector.
How do I start a career in the shipping industry in India?
Courses leading to a career in the shipping industry can be pursued in maritime studies, naval engineering, or logistics management. Many shipping companies give internships or entry-level positions in operations, sales, and management.
How do I make the right choice with the best shipping company for my business?
To be able to choose the best shipping company, one needs to take into account the fleet size, reputation, service reliability, customer reviews, areas of operation, and pricing. Check if the company provides tailored solutions that suit your specific shipping needs.
Do Indian shipping companies engage in international trade?
Yes, most of the leading shipping companies in India, such as Shipping Corporation of India and Great Eastern Shipping are actively participating in international trades handling shipments throughout continents and dealing with global partners.
What is the role of a shipping company in port operations?
These shipping companies make coordination of cargo handling, management of the schedules at the dock, as well as compliance with regulations imperative in port operations. Many of these top companies also offer port management services and logistics solutions to enhance the port’s efficiency.
