The Indian shipping industry derived tremendous support from the rising trade. The shipping industry is expected to have exponential growth as India moves towards becoming the third-largest economy.
The rising economic prosperity is adding fuel to the demands of its middle-income population. The increased demand gives rise to rising imports as well as domestic production.
Through multiple government initiatives and aids, the entrepreneurial landscape in India has given way to great export opportunities. Let us look at the industry that is the backbone of this rising trade.
Also read: Top Energy Sector Stocks to Invest in India
Overview of the shipping industry
India enjoys a strategically empowered coastline because it is at the centre of all important routes. India has the biggest shipbreaking facility in the world and is home to 30% of the world’s shipbreaking industry.
The Maritime India Vision 2030 highlights 150 initiatives to strengthen the maritime sector. Due to globalisation, the world has become more connected. Investment in shipping stocks may give you a leg in this long-haul game.
Also read: Best Auto Stocks to Invest in India for 2024
Top shipping stocks in India
Let us look at the best shipping stocks in India based on market capitalisation that is expected to reap the most benefits from the growing economic strength and government support. Â
Great Eastern Shipping Company Ltd.
The company is the biggest shipping company in the Indian private sector. The company owns 43 ships. The ships are involved in the transportation of crude oil, petroleum products, gas and dry bulk commodities. The company operates 23 offshore assets through its fully owned subsidiary, Great Ship India. In 2024 the standalone Net Profit was ₹2319.34 crores. The company has also targetted to reduce its emissions to 2-3%.
Shipping Corporation of India Ltd.
The company is the biggest shipping corporation in India. It was provided with the Navaratna status in August 2008. The company performs the transportation of items and passengers. Let us take a look at the fleet diversification in one of the best shipping stocks in India as of 9MFY24
Source: BSE
The company’s biggest clients are Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation.
Essar Shipping Ltd.
Essar Shipping Ltd. was incorporated in 2010. Although it is one of the top shipping stocks in India, the company is currently facing some turmoil. The company had accumulated losses of ₹6821.80 crore in the financial year 2023. It failed to pay off loans. As a result, lenders started the legal recovery process. The company had to dispose of multiple assets.
Also read: Top Airline Stocks to Invest in India.
Transworld Shipping Lines Ltd.
Transworld Shipping Lines Ltd. provides all-inclusive shipping and logistics services. The business is renowned for its dependability and effectiveness in managing goods across international borders while meeting a wide range of client demands. Transworld keeps growing its worldwide presence by implementing strategic initiatives and providing customer-focused services.
ABS Marine Services Ltd.
Shipbuilding and repair services are the areas of expertise for ABS Marine Services Ltd. The business provides industry-leading solutions to the marine sector, guaranteeing clients’ safety and operational effectiveness around the globe. Its standing in the cutthroat shipbuilding industry is strengthened by its commitment to quality and innovation.
Global Offshore Services Ltd.
Global Offshore Services Ltd. was founded in 1976 and specialises in the chartering of offshore support vessels. One of the leading providers of offshore oil and gas support services is Global Offshore Services Ltd. In order to ensure effective operations for its clients, its fleet of vessels offers vital services including anchor handling and platform assistance.
Seacoast Shipping Services Ltd.
Seacoast Shipping Services Limited is headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is involved in offering importers and exporters, single-window logistical services. The company’s primary concentration is on inland road logistics, dry bulk logistics, and container freight forwarding. The business is renowned for its dependability and effectiveness in meeting a range of transportation requirements, guaranteeing smooth operations along international commerce routes.
Sadhav Shipping Ltd.
The goal of Sadhav Shipping Limited’s 1996 incorporation was to acquire and run high-quality marine assets for the benefit of our customers. It owns and runs about 25 ships in different areas of India’s marine industry. In Mumbai, it is the first business to establish and run the country’s first port-based Tier 1 oil spill response centre. It now operates in the majority of India’s major ports.
Chowgule Steamships Ltd.
To support the transportation requirements of iron ore exports, Chowgule Steamships Limited (CSL) was established in April 1963 with three liberty ships. CSL has become a pioneer in the Indian shipping industry during the past fifty years. By transforming a dry bulk vessel, it created the first Indian phosphoric acid carrier and constructed the country’s first bulk carrier for an Indian owner. By delivering clinker to split factories at Ratnagiri and Magdalla, it initiated Indian coastal commerce, which paved the way for the growth of small ports in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Arvind Port and Infra Ltd.
Arvind & Company Shipping Agencies Ltd. was established in 1987 and offers immovable property rental services. Along with providing a range of maritime services, such as stevedore and cargo handling, ship agency work, dredging, underwater trenching, rock breaking, port development, and maintenance, the firm also rents out barges based on the needs of its clients. Its main business is barge leasing for inland waterway commercial transportation.
Stock comparisons
Let us compare the best shipping stocks in India based on market capitalisation as of 21st March 2025.
| Name | Market capitalisation | Net Profit | 1Year Return |
| Great Eastern Shipping Company Ltd. | 13576.42 | 27.12 | -3.12 |
| Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. | 7895.27 | 4.97 | -11.95 |
| Transworld Shipping Lines Ltd. | 612.99 | 13.07 | 4.38 |
| Essar Shipping Ltd. | 537.94 | 1254.07 | 19.67 |
| ABS Marine Services Ltd. | 247.96 | 10.12 | – |
| Global Offshore Services Ltd. | 220.31 | -31.73 | 86.14 |
| Seacoast Shipping Services Ltd. | 154.04 | 4.62 | -29.58 |
| Sadhav Shipping Ltd. | 130.76 | 12.11 | -47.14 |
| Chowgule Steamships Ltd. | 101.14 | 23.23 | 38.96 |
| Arvind Port and Infra Ltd. | 94.98 | 39.26 | 8.16 |
Bottomline
With the growth of India’s economic strength, the shipping industry is undergoing an enormous rise. The industry enjoys strong backing and cushioning from the government. There is little to no doubt that investors in the top shipping stocks will enjoy good potential returns. However, there is still a need to observe precautions and undertake due diligence.
FAQs
- Which shipping stock is best in India?
Based on Market Capitalisation, Great Eastern Shipping Company Ltd. is the No. 1 shipping company in India.
The company’s activities include shipping and offshore assets. The company is the largest private-sector shipping company. With more than six-decade of industry experience, the company maintains a massive fleet with great vessels like-
- Jag Aanchal
- Jag Alaia
- Jag Vikram
- Jag Arnav
- Which are the best logistics stocks in India?
The logistics sector is a huge contributor to the Indian GDP. It is forecasted to experience a growth of USD 591 Billion by 2027. Let us look at the top logistics stocks in India based on market capitalisation.
- Container Corporation of India Ltd.
- Delhivery
- Bluedart express
As India’s population gains greater access to disposable income, the demand increases. An increase in demand created greater business opportunities for these companies.
- Is it good to invest in shipping companies?
The shipping stocks seem like a good option given the exponential push shipping companies are witnessing. As India strives to become the third largest economy in the world, the shipping industry gives the country a strong backbone. Rising imports and exports have also enabled the shipping industry to gain considerable government support.
- Which shipping stocks are below ₹100?
Essar Shipping Ltd. is one of the top shipping stocks in India and is currently trading at less than ₹100. Various reasons might contribute to this factor.
- Inability to pay lenders
- Lawsuits from clients and lenders
- Selling assets to pay off debt
- Disinvestments
It might help to know that the company has reduced its debt burden to a great extent.
- Which company is best for shipping?
The Great Eastern Shipping Company Ltd is the biggest private-sector shipping company in India. It is also the best shipping stock based on market capitalisation. However, the Shipping Corporation of India is also the biggest in India and belongs to the list of best shipping stocks based on market capitalisation. It operates as a public sector undertaking.
- What are the best shipping stocks?
Based on market capitalisation, the three best shipping stocks are the Great Eastern Shipping Company Ltd., Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. and Transworld Shipping Lines Ltd. Great Eastern is the biggest shipping company in the Indian private sector. SCI enjoys the prestigious status of Navaratna. Transworld Shipping Lines Ltd. provides all-inclusive shipping and logistics services.
- Why invest in shipping stocks in India?
Shipping businesses are a possible inflation hedge since they profit from increased commodity prices. Additionally, certain shipping companies, such as those included on the Indian Coastal Shipping Companies list, regularly pay dividends to investors. It gives investors passive income. However, any investment decision should be taken after considering investment objectives and risk tolerance.
- What are the risks associated with investing in shipping stocks?
Indian shipping stocks sometimes have erratic profits because of shifting trade demand, freight rates, and oil prices. Top shipping businesses in India also often pay a lot of money for port fees, fuel, and vessel upkeep. Being an international business, shipping stocks are greatly impacted by world economic situations. Moreover, capital markets are subject to fluctuations.
- How do I choose the best shipping stocks to invest in?
Optimum stock market investment requires fundamental and technical analysis. Technical analysis of stock helps to judge the performance of the stock in the capital market. Fundamental analysis helps understand the company’s fiscal position. Moreover, optimum portfolio diversification helps investors and traders ensure stable return generation whilst reducing the risk.
