The Indian government plans to launch a national container shipping carrier, Bharat Container Line (BCL).
As part of a plan to strengthen the country’s overseas footprint a new national shipping company is being set up in collaboration with oil refiners and the Shipping Corporation of India the Union Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal told ET.
As reported, the project will start with 100 container vessels in collaboration with private and government entities. Initially, the focus will be on key trade routes in Asia, West Asia, and the Red Sea, with plans to expand to Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
“We plan to launch Bharat Container Line, a national container shipping carrier, to reduce dependence on foreign-flagged vessels and strengthen its control over EXIM (export-import) trade” Sonowal said.
To remind, India has been investing in maritime projects, including plans by the Odisha Government to establish a ship recycling hub near Paradip Port. Additionally, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced capacity expansion projects at Jawaharlal Nehru Port and Kandla Port.
India also has signed an MoU with Sailors’ Society to enhance welfare services for the maritime sector.
