India Maritime vision 2030-Can India break the global shipbuilding monopoly of China, Korea, and Japan?
Can this 250 years old industry beat the indian stock market?
With india allowing 100% FDI in Shipping industry, there is definitely a rush of foreign investments in the indian Shipping industry.
During the recently concluded Maritime week ending 30 th October, 2025 , india signed 600 MoU’s worth 12 Lakh crore in shipping which is quite huge.
At present, India ranks 16th globally in both shipbuilding and ship ownership, and only 7% of Indian-owned ships are built in India. Data also shows that the share of export-import (EXIM) cargo carried on Indian ships has declined sharply from 41% in FY1988 to just 5% in FY2023.
India’s shipping industry is crucial to its economy, handling approximately 95% of the country’s trade volume and supported by a vast maritime infrastructure of 12 major ports and over 200 non-major ports. The industry is undergoing significant transformation through government initiatives like the Sagarmala Programme, which aims to boost efficiency, modernize infrastructure, and promote private sector participation. Key sub-sectors include shipbuilding, ship repairing, cargo handling, and freight forwarding.
Key aspects of the Indian shipping industry
Economic importance:
The industry is vital for international and coastal trade, moving about 95% of India’s EXIM trade by volume and 68% by value.
Maritime infrastructure:
India has a 7,516 km coastline with 12 major ports and more than 200 non-major ports, which are being upgraded through strategic government initiatives.
Merchant fleet
India has one of the largest merchant fleets among developing nations and ranks 17th globally in terms of cargo-carrying capacity.
Government initiatives
The government is actively promoting the sector through programs like the Sagarmala Programme and the Maritime India Vision 2030 which includes investments in port modernization and efficiency improvements.
Sub-sectors
The industry includes a wide range of activities beyond just transportation, such as shipbuilding, ship repair, and freight forwarding and ancillaries in ship building
Modernization and future growth
:Efforts are underway to improve infrastructure, streamline regulations, and foster private sector participation. The industry is focusing on technology integration like AI and IoT, and a major focus is on “green shipping” initiatives, although this presents cost challenges.
Challenges:
High implementation costs for sustainable practices and the need for continued regulatory reforms are key challenges.
Opportunities
The government’s support, focus on private sector involvement, and a large pool of skilled seafarers (about 7% of the world’s merchant mariners are Indian) present significant opportunities for growth.
Major shipping ancillary stocks
the logistics, shipbuilding, and port infrastructure sectors. Key companies include:
Logistics and Port Operations
These companies handle cargo logistics, warehousing, port handling, and multimodal transport, which are all services ancillary to the primary shipping process.
Container Corporation of India (CONCOR)
: A government-owned company specializing in containerized cargo transportation via rail and road, and port handling services.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ)
Operates India’s largest private port network and offers comprehensive logistics and warehousing services.
Gateway Distriparks Ltd.:
Focuses on container freight stations, inland container depots, and connecting ports to inland regions.
Aegis Logistics
Specializes in the handling and storage of bulk liquids and gases, a niche but critical part of the shipping supply chain.
Transport Corporation of India (TCI):
Offers diversified freight, supply chain, and warehousing services across various sectors.
Allcargo Logistics
A large integrated logistics company providing multi-modal transport solutions and third-party logistics (3PL) services.
J.S.W. Infrastructure
Engaged in developing and managing ports and logistics services.
Shipbuilding and Repair
These companies provide the essential infrastructure and maintenance services for the vessels used in shipping.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd
A major public sector undertaking providing shipbuilding, ship repair, and maintenance services for both naval and commercial vessels.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd.:
Primarily involved in defence shipbuilding and submarine construction, but also commercial purposes.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers(GRSE):
Specializes in designing and building vessels for the Navy and Coast Guard.
Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd
Focuses on services in the ship-breaking, repairing, and marine engineering industry.
Marine and Offshore Support Services
These companies offer specialized services crucial for marine operations, such as manning, maintenance, and offshore support.
ABS Marine Services Ltd.:
Provides ship building and repair services, along with general marine logistics.
Seamec Ltd
Specializes in offshore oilfield and subsea engineering services, including the operation of diving support vessels.
Sadhav Shipping Ltd
Involved in owning and operating marine assets and providing services such as port-based oil spill response.
Global Offshore Services Ltd
Offers offshore support vessels and services for the oil and gas exploration sector.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2184349
Press Note Details: Press Information Bureau.
This 250-Year-Old Industry Might Beat the Stock Market - Profit Hunter by Equitymaster.
Discl: Not a buy or sell recommendation. It is for information and knowledge sharing