Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Hails SCI as Cornerstone of India's Maritime and Shipbuilding Ambitions
Distilled Policy Brief
- The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) celebrated its 65th anniversary, highlighting its growth from a 19-vessel fleet in 1961 to a diversified fleet of 58 vessels totaling 5.26 million Deadweight Tonnage (DWT).
- SCI is designated as a cornerstone for the 'Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047', which aims to establish India as a global leader in shipbuilding and ship-ownership while securing national energy and trade security during geopolitical crises like the Strait of Hormuz conflict.
- To accelerate fleet expansion and boost domestic tonnage, SCI is actively pursuing strategic joint ventures with public sector undertakings, including the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and the India Container Shipping Line.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Key targets of the 'Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047' and the operational profile/status of the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI).
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Analyze the strategic significance of a robust national shipping fleet in ensuring India's energy security, trade resilience, and economic sovereignty during global supply chain disruptions.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and India's maritime sector, consider the following statements: 1. Established in 1961, SCI has transitioned from a liner shipping company to a diversified enterprise managing a fleet of over 5 million Deadweight Tonnage (DWT). 2. The 'Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047' targets establishing India as a global leader in both shipbuilding and ship-ownership. 3. To accelerate fleet expansion, SCI is actively pursuing strategic joint ventures with public sector undertakings, including the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL). Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: SCI was established in 1961 with 19 vessels and has grown to a diversified fleet of 58 vessels totaling 5.26 million DWT. Statement 2 is correct: The 'Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047' aims to position India as a top shipbuilding and ship-owning nation. Statement 3 is correct: To accelerate fleet expansion and boost domestic tonnage, SCI is actively pursuing strategic joint ventures with PSUs like the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and the India Container Shipping Line.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.