A group of state-owned companies and major port authorities has launched Bharat Container Line, a new initiative aimed at strengthening India’s control over its container shipping. The goal is to cut the country’s heavy dependence on foreign shipping companies, which currently handle almost all of India’s container trade.
The ownership is split among key public-sector players. Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) hold 30% each, Sagarmala Finance Corporation owns 20%, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has 10%. Chennai Port Authority and VOC Port Authority hold 5% each.
The company aims to secure steady cargo volumes through its partner ports and gradually scale up—eventually targeting a fleet of around 100 vessels to serve both regional and international routes.