Indian shipping shares have attracted significant investor interest this year despite a slow market.
When Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and Great Eastern Shipping (GE) gained 12 per cent and 7.5 per cent, respectively, on the BSE during intra-day trading on June 13, the Sensex fell 1 per cent.
Their shares rose despite the tensions in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine conflict affecting global shipping and freight costs.
Recent market moves in shipping and maritime
Shreeji Shipping Global made its market debut on August 26, 2025, opening at Rs 270 on NSE—a 7 per cent premium over its issue price of Rs 252. On BSE, it opened at Rs 271.85, up 7.9 per cent from the issue price. And its share price was around Rs 254–Rs 263, with a market cap of Rs 4,146.27 crore at NSE and BSE after listing.
Existing leaders in the market
GE Shipping, listed since November 27, 2006, traded at Rs 1,055 (market cap Rs 15,061.94 crore) as of September 19, 2025. Q1 FY26 results showed a total income of Rs 91,641 lakh with earnings per share of Rs 27.21 lakh.
Shipping Corporation of India, which was listed on August 13, 1997, has a market cap of Rs 10,228.01 crore. In the first quarter of FY26, it earned Rs 1,46,134 lakh and its profit per share was Rs 7.37 lakh. On September 19, 2025, its stock was trading at Rs 219.
Investors seem very interested in Indian shipping because of local business growth, India’s important location, and government support.
Why investors are eyeing Indian shipping
Pushpank Kaushik, CEO & Head of Business Development at Jassper Shipping India Limited, says, "Indian shipping and maritime companies are showing resilience by combining operational efficiency with strategic diversification. Government support and India's long-term economic growth narrative give these stocks a strong tailwind”.
Kaushik further explains that several factors are driving investor appetite:
Robust economic growth and trade
Expanding trade volumes, both domestic and international, drive demand for shipping and logistics services.
Government initiatives
The Indian government actively supports the industry with initiatives like the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and Sagarmala. These aim to enhance operations on ports and boost coastal shipping in terms of efficiency, sustainability and profitability.
Investments
The government plans to attract Rs 80 lakh crore ($960 billion) into the maritime sector by 2047, including a dedicated Rs 25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund (MDF) for shipbuilding and infrastructure.
Infrastructure development
Big projects like the Rs 76,000-crore Vadhavan Port and expansions at Cochin and Vizhinjam ports will draw substantial investment and improve logistics capabilities.
Strategic global positioning
India’s location on major international shipping routes strengthens the competitiveness of its ports and shipping companies globally.
Logistics & supply chain
E-commerce growth drives integrated logistics solutions, warehousing, and last-mile connectivity.
Kaushik adds, "Even after facing global uncertainties like trade conflicts and geopolitical tensions, Indian maritime companies have adapted and thrived, even in the stock market. Strategic government initiatives, domestic infrastructure growth, and agility in global trade patterns have allowed many companies to perform well in 2025."
The shipping industry goes through cycles and is often affected by the level of global trade, making it sensitive to changes in the economy and world events. Profits can be influenced by things like fuel prices, government rules, environmental standards, and the large investments needed for ships and ports. At the same time, India’s strong economy, strategic location, and government support create a positive environment for the industry. Because of these factors, it is important to take a careful and well-researched approach when looking at opportunities in this sector.
The author, Tata Rao, is the VP of Jassper Shipping India Limited.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.