Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) shares surged as much as 9.34% to a high of ₹292 on the NSE on Monday, October 5, following remarks by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The minister said the Navratna PSU, India's largest shipping company, is expected to deliver a profit after tax (PAT) of ₹2,000 crore for the current fiscal year. He highlighted that the company has already exceeded ₹600 crore in PAT in the first quarter, surpassing last year’s ₹1,326 crore margin and signalling strong earnings momentum.

Sonowal added that SCI plans to induct 30 vessels and an additional 51‑container vessels into its fleet. Currently, the company operates 58 vessels with a total deadweight tonnage of 5.26 million DWT. The minister emphasized joint ventures with petroleum sector companies, through which SCI intends to procure more than 34 vessels, and collaborations with CONCORD and four major ports to include 51 container vessels, thereby expanding its maritime footprint.

On a standalone basis, SCI reported a PAT of ₹1,352.92 crore for FY26, with operating revenue of ₹5,778.1 crore, according to its 2025‑26 financial report. The company’s operations span crude and product tankers, bulk and container shipping, LPG and LNG carriers, offshore services, passenger and coastal transport, project cargo, ship management, and shipbuilding consultancy, reflecting its diversified maritime portfolio.

Founded in 1961 as a liner shipping company with 19 vessels, SCI has grown into a diversified maritime enterprise. The minister praised the company’s role in safeguarding India’s energy and trade security, citing its performance during the recent Strait of Hormuz crisis. He called on SCI to advance the government’s Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals, framing a stronger national fleet as central to India’s ambition of becoming a top shipbuilding nation by 2047.

SCI chairman and managing director BK Tyagi, in his address, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to building a larger, modern, and globally competitive fleet. He outlined plans to expand shipping capacity and tonnage in support of the national push to enhance India’s maritime strength, aligning with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and the broader Viksit Bharat agenda.

Historical price data show the stock has declined 1.36% over the past 30 days, rallied nearly 25% over the past six months, gained over 26% year‑to‑date, and advanced more than 29% over the past one year. These figures illustrate the stock’s recent volatility and long‑term growth trajectory, reflecting investor confidence in SCI’s strategic expansion and projected profitability.