TCI Seaways, a division of Transport Corporation of India Limited (TCI) has expanded its maritime capabilities with the delivery of TCI SETU, a 500 TEU container vessel on 29th October 2026. The addition underscores the company’s focus on strengthening India’s coastal shipping infrastructure while advancing more sustainable logistics solutions.
With a deadweight capacity of approximately 7,300 metric tonnes, TCI SETU becomes the seventh vessel in the TCI Seaways fleet. The new ship will enhance the company’s capacity to address growing coastal freight demand, particularly along India’s East Coast. Its shipping network connects key locations, including Chennai, Visakhapatnam, the Andaman Islands and Myanmar.
Constructed by China’s Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering Co. Ltd., the vessel incorporates design features aimed at ensuring build quality, operational reliability and cost efficiency. Its low-carbon performance is also expected to support the shift towards cleaner and more sustainable maritime transportation.
The vessel has been acquired at an investment of ₹178.8 crore, financed entirely through internal accruals. TCI SETU is the first of two vessels ordered by TCI Seaways from the Chinese shipbuilding company, with the addition marking another step in the company’s fleet expansion strategy.
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Vineet Agarwal, MD of TCI, highlighted the strategic importance of coastal shipping in strengthening India’s logistics infrastructure. He 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.”
With India placing greater emphasis on improving logistics efficiency, expanding infrastructure and reducing carbon emissions, coastal shipping is expected to become an increasingly important component of the country’s transport network. TCI Seaways plans to build on this opportunity by modernizing its fleet, adopting advanced vessel technologies and strengthening connectivity across road, rail and coastal shipping networks.
