Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) and other key entities, including Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and major port authorities, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to form a joint venture company named Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL). The MOU was signed on February 3, 2026, and aims to bolster India’s maritime capabilities and facilitate EXIM and coastal trade.
Joint Venture Formation
Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), along with the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), V.O. Chidambarnar Port Authority (VOCPA), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), Chennai Port Authority (CPA) and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd. (SMFCL), have formalized a collaborative agreement to establish Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL). The MOU was officially signed on February 3, 2026.
Strategic Objectives
The primary goal of the BCSL joint venture is to acquire, own, lease, and operate container vessels and related assets, supporting both EXIM and coastal trade activities. The initiative seeks to deliver comprehensive end-to-end logistics solutions by integrating the expertise of all stakeholders involved, enhancing port-based services and sea-based transportation infrastructure across India.
Stakeholder Contributions
The expected equity distribution within BCSL is as follows:
CONCOR: 30%
SCI: 30%
JNPA: 10%
VOCPA: 5%
CPA: 5%
SMFCL: 20%
National Impact
The formation of Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) is aligned with the vision of strengthening India’s maritime economy and promoting ease of doing business. The initiative was originally announced during India Maritime Week 2025 and represents a significant step towards establishing a national container shipping presence.
Source: BSE
