India to Launch National Container Shipping Carrier to Boost Global Trade

India is gearing up to establish Bharat Container Line, a national container shipping carrier, to strengthen its maritime footprint and reduce dependency on foreign vessels. Announced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the initiative is a collaboration between oil refiners, the Shipping Corporation of India, and private players. The project will initially launch with 100 container vessels, focusing on trade routes across Asia, West Asia, and the Red Sea, with future expansions to Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

This move aligns with India’s broader maritime development strategy, including capacity expansion at Jawaharlal Nehru and Kandla Ports and the Odisha Government’s plan for a ship recycling hub. Additionally, India has signed a MoU with the Sailors’ Society to enhance seafarer welfare services, reinforcing its commitment to the maritime sector’s growth.