Shipping Lines in India

Overview of India’s Shipping Industry

India’s shipping industry handles nearly 95% of its trade by volume. The country operates 13 major ports, including Mumbai, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, and Mundra, and over 200 minor ports.

Recent investments in port infrastructure, logistics parks, multimodal corridors, and customs digitization have boosted the country’s standing in global shipping indices. From heavy machinery to textiles, refrigerated pharmaceuticals to e-commerce parcels — everything moves through this maritime spine.

As India ramps up its export capacity and supply chain resilience, demand for reliable, diversified shipping lines is higher than ever.

Top International Shipping Lines Operating in India

These ocean carriers dominate global trade lanes and have a strong footprint in India.

Maersk Line

Based in Denmark, Maersk operates one of the world’s largest container fleets. In India, it’s present across all major ports and offers integrated solutions including customs clearance, warehousing, trucking, and last-mile delivery. Their strength lies in consistency, digital tools, and deep trade route optimization.

MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company

A close rival to Maersk, MSC connects India with Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Their vessels call at major Indian terminals like Mundra, Nhava Sheva, and Tuticorin. Known for competitive pricing and efficient container flows, MSC is preferred for bulk container exports and long-haul shipping.

CMA CGM

The French carrier has rapidly grown in India with dedicated India–Far East and India–Europe services. Its Indian arm also provides multimodal inland container transport and digital freight tools. CMA CGM is highly rated for reefer logistics, especially in pharma and perishables.

Hapag-Lloyd

The German shipping major serves Indian exporters with premium container services and a strong focus on compliance, traceability, and safety — making it ideal for hazardous cargo, temperature-sensitive freight, and FMCG exports.

Ocean Network Express (ONE)

Formed by the merger of three Japanese lines, ONE is known for service quality, data transparency, and reliability. It’s a preferred option for time-sensitive cargo, especially to Southeast Asia, Japan, and Australia.

Evergreen Line

A major player on the Asia–India corridor, Evergreen operates weekly sailings from Indian ports to Singapore, China, and Malaysia. It’s favored by electronics and auto parts exporters due to its tight transit schedules.

Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation

This Taiwan-based line focuses on Far East–India–Middle East routes. It’s a reliable option for mid-size container volumes and cargo requiring stable schedules.

COSCO Shipping

China’s state-owned behemoth covers India via direct services and transshipment hubs. COSCO specializes in project cargo, heavy lift, and complex port handling, making it ideal for infrastructure and industrial shipments.

OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line)

OOCL serves India through direct lanes and transshipment in Colombo and Singapore. Known for good customer service and digital documentation tools, it suits both SMEs and established exporters.

Leading Indian Shipping Companies

India’s own shipping lines provide regional strength, defense capability, and commercial fleet presence across multiple cargo segments.

Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)

A government enterprise with a vast fleet of tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships. SCI plays a strategic role in energy logistics, national emergencies, and flag-state representation in global waters. It also supports military logistics and operates specialized vessels.

Great Eastern Shipping Co Ltd

India’s largest private shipping company operates in dry bulk and crude oil transport, servicing global energy giants and commodity traders. The company emphasizes operational excellence, fleet renewal, and high safety standards.

Essar Shipping

Part of the Essar Group, this company handles crude and dry bulk movement for power, steel, and oil industries. Their ships mostly operate on long-term contracts with industrial clients, and the company owns modern VLCCs and capesize vessels.

Mercator Ltd

Formerly a strong presence in coal and iron ore shipping, Mercator has transitioned towards dredging and infrastructure marine services. Though its container and dry bulk business has contracted, it remains relevant in inland water logistics.

Cochin Shipyard Ltd

A major shipbuilder serving both the Indian Navy and private maritime operators. CSL builds and maintains LNG carriers, offshore platforms, tankers, and ferries. It also handles vessel conversion and life extension projects.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders

Another government-owned shipyard, Mazagon Dock builds frigates, submarines, and commercial vessels. A crucial part of India’s defense and export infrastructure, it’s known for precision engineering and long-term naval programs.

Container & Logistics Tech Platforms in India

Shipping today is not just about vessels — it’s about speed, transparency, and tech-enabled service. These Indian platforms are revolutionizing freight with automation and e-commerce integrations.

Shiprocket

A household name for online sellers, Shiprocket aggregates 20+ couriers and shipping lines into one dashboard. Features include real-time tracking, branded notifications, COD remittance, and smart delivery routing. Especially valuable for D2C brands and small businesses.

Delhivery

One of India’s largest logistics firms, Delhivery handles everything from freight forwarding to full-stack warehousing. It combines traditional freight models with machine learning-based routing and demand prediction — trusted by large retailers and exporters.

Shadowfax

Known for hyperlocal delivery, Shadowfax is expanding into long-distance B2B freight. The company uses an asset-light model to provide on-demand fleet capacity to both small and large enterprises.

Shipyaari

Aimed at SMEs, this platform simplifies multi-courier shipping with plug-and-play integrations, prepaid shipping, returns, and flexible rate comparisons.

Nimbuspost

With a strong tech backend, Nimbuspost is designed for high-volume sellers who need speed, predictability, and digital controls. Features include AI-powered SLA tracking, real-time fraud detection, and custom branded shipping labels.

Ithink Logistics

Built for e-commerce — this platform connects with Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, and more. It offers automated label printing, smart carrier assignment, and proactive customer alerts. Great for growing brands needing reliable scaling.

India’s shipping network is a dynamic combination of ocean giants, regional fleets, and nimble logistics innovators. Whether you’re exporting raw materials, importing electronics, or running an online store — the right shipping partner in India isn’t just an option. It’s a growth multiplier.