India Launches Its First National Container Shipping Line

India has launched its first ever national container shipping line - Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) - with the aim of reducing its reliance on foreign cargo carriers. The launch of the new line was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Global Maritime CEO Forum. 

Proclaiming the launch as beginning a “new era of maritime confidence”, BCSL will begin operations with a fleet of 51 container ships and a $6.9-billion investment under a private-public partnership, supported by India’s Maritime Development Fund.

It is believed that the core reason for the launch of the Bharat Container Shipping Line is to shield India from trade disruptions (as was seen during the COVID-19 lockdowns). The global container shortage that emerged during the pandemic led to soaring freight charges for Indian exporters. 

Initial routes for BCSL are expected to include Asia, West Asia, and the Red Sea. Over time, routes will expand to include Europe, Africa, and the Americas. 

BCSL has a number of major shareholders. These include the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), and the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR). These shareholders will be creating a seamless logistics chain for the new line, with SCI expected to handle chartering and vessel operations, whilst CONCOR will utilise its logistics network (including rail connections and inland logistics centres) to facilitate the movement of freight to and from ports. 

In addition to the launch of BCSL, the Indian Prime Minister also announced investment in 437 new vessels (worth an approximate $26 billion), including 60 new oil and gas carriers, a ‘Green Tug Programme’ featuring 100 eco-friendly tugs, and 11 dredgers for the Dredging Corporation of India. 

Exact commercial start dates, vessel delivery schedules, and slot/contract roll-out for BCSL remain to be announced, but are expected imminently. 

Marine surveying services from Brookes Bell

With years of experience performing hull and machinery damage surveys and consulting, Brookes Bell specialises in providing comprehensive marine surveying services tailored to meet the highest industry standards. 

Explore our marine surveying services now

For more maritime industry news, insights and developments, read the Brookes Bell News and Knowledge Hub…

The World’s Biggest Container Shipping Companies | The World’s Largest Container Ships | What Are the World’s Biggest Ports?