TCI Seaways adds a new 500 TEU vessel to fleet

TCI Seaways, the shipping division of Transport Corporation of India (TCI), has taken delivery of its new 500 TEU container vessel, TCI SETU, on October 29, 2026, marking a significant addition to the company’s coastal shipping fleet and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable maritime logistics.

With a deadweight capacity of approximately 7,300 metric tonnes, TCI SETU becomes the seventh vessel in the TCI Seaways fleet, taking the total fleet strength to seven ships. The addition is expected to enhance the company’s capacity to cater to India's growing coastal freight demand, particularly along the East Coast.

TCI Seaways operates coastal shipping services connecting key locations, including Chennai, Visakhapatnam, the Andaman Islands and Myanmar, facilitating cargo movement across important maritime routes.

The vessel has been built by China-based Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering Company and is designed to deliver high standards of construction quality, operational reliability and fuel efficiency. Its low-carbon performance is also expected to contribute to the adoption of cleaner and more sustainable maritime transportation.

The company has invested ₹1,788 million in TCI SETU, with the entire investment funded through internal accruals. The vessel is the first of two ships contracted by TCI Seaways from the Chinese shipyard, indicating the company's continued focus on expanding its fleet and strengthening its presence in India's coastal shipping sector.

Vineet Agarwal, MD, said, “At TCI, we see coastal shipping as a critical pillar of India’s future logistics infrastructure. TCI SETU reflects our continued commitment to investing in technology, operational excellence and sustainable transportation. By combining efficient coastal shipping with our extensive road and rail capabilities, we are building a more integrated, cost-effective and environmentally responsible multimodal network. This is not just about expanding our fleet. It is about helping shape a greener and more connected future for Indian logistics.”

As India intensifies efforts to improve logistics efficiency, strengthen infrastructure and reduce carbon emissions, coastal shipping is expected to emerge as an increasingly important component of the country’s sustainable transport network. TCI Seaways remains committed to expanding its fleet, adopting advanced vessel technologies and enhancing multimodal connectivity to support the evolving logistics landscape.