Bhavna Pimpale – The Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI) marked its 65th anniversary on October 2, with a grand celebration at The Ballard Pier, Mumbai that combined history, heartfelt tributes, and a bold vision for the future. A short film tracing SCI’s journey from its modest beginnings with 19 vessels to its present stature as India’s largest shipping company set the tone for the evening, while seafarers themselves shared reflections on their experiences at sea, underscoring the human spirit behind the organisation’s success.
Setting the tone, Capt BK Tyagi, Chairman and Managing Director, SCI reminded the audience of the unique significance of the day. He noted that October 2 is not only the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, but also the day SCI was incorporated. “Sixty‑five years ago, we began with just 19 vessels. Today, we stand as India’s largest shipping company. But our true measure is not the number of ships we own—it is the countless times India has been able to rely on the sea. From wars and evacuations to disasters and even the COVID‑19 pandemic, one thing has never changed: SCI is always there in the service of the nation. That is our legacy, and that is our responsibility,” he said.
The evening’s emotional highlight came from the seafarers themselves, who joined virtually to share their reflections on SCI’s 65‑year journey. Many spoke with pride about carrying the corporation’s flag across oceans, describing their role as more than a profession—it was a service to the nation. Their voices reminded the audience that while ships may be the hardware of the industry, it is the people who remain its true strength.
Mr Nitesh Narayan Rane, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister of Fisheries and Ports Development, Government of Maharashtra, congratulated SCI on its milestone, describing 65 years as “not merely a milestone but decades of commitment, professionalism, and national service.” He stressed that shipping is about more than moving cargo—it is about connecting economies, securing essential supplies, and creating opportunities. Mr Rane added that as India moves towards its maritime vision for 2047, institutions like SCI will remain crucial in translating this vision into outcomes.
Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India placed SCI’s achievements in the context of India’s long‑term maritime ambitions. He acknowledged that Indian‑flagged vessels currently carry only about 5% of the nation’s export cargo, while foreign carriers handle the rest. “Strengthening India’s shipping capacity is not merely a commercial requirement; it is vital for our economic and national security. Under Maritime Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, we aim to expand Indian tonnage to 260 million GT. SCI’s achievements give us confidence that India can move from being a national carrier to a globally respected symbol of resilience and self‑reliance,” he said.
The evening concluded with a ceremonial cake cutting and a vote of thanks by Rear Admiral Jaswinder Singh, who saluted the dedication of seafarers and stakeholders. He noted that the celebration was “more than an anniversary—it was a remembrance of SCI’s journey and its people.” He added that 65 years of history remind the organisation that the journey continues, with a responsibility to build its own legacy and contribute meaningfully to India’s maritime interests.
SCI’s 65th anniversary was more than a look back at history—it was a powerful statement of intent for the future. With seafarers at the heart of its story and a new generation of maritime ambitions on the horizon, the corporation positioned itself as a cornerstone of India’s economic and strategic journey. The celebration underscored SCI’s enduring resilience, its embrace of innovation, and its role as a proud symbol of national strength, ready to steer India confidently into its maritime destiny.
Marex Media