Transport Corporation of India Limited’s (TCI) shipping division, TCI Seaways, has expanded its fleet with the delivery of TCI SETU, a 500 TEU container vessel, on October 29, 2026, as part of its strategy to strengthen coastal shipping, improve operational efficiency and promote sustainable logistics.
With a deadweight capacity of approximately 7,300 metric tonnes, TCI SETU is the seventh vessel in the company’s fleet, which previously comprised six ships. Built by TaizhouSanfu Ship Engineering Co. Ltd. in China, the vessel has been designed for operational reliability, economic efficiency and low-carbon performance.
The vessel represents an investment of ₹178.8 crore, funded entirely through internal accruals. It is the first of two vessels contracted from the Chinese shipyard. The addition will enhance TCI Seaways’ capacity to serve growing coastal freight demand, particularly along the East Coast, connecting Chennai, Visakhapatnam, the Andaman Islands and Myanmar.
TCI Managing Director Vineet Agarwal said coastal shipping would be a critical pillar of India’s future logistics infrastructure. He highlighted the company’s focus on integrating coastal shipping with its road and rail capabilities to build a cost-effective and environmentally responsible multimodal network.
In Port Blair, the vessel is expected to strengthen cargo connectivity between the Andaman Islands and mainland markets, particularly Chennai and Visakhapatnam, potentially supporting regional trade, business logistics and freight movement.
TCI Seaways said it would continue investing in modern vessel technology, fleet expansion and multimodal connectivity as India advances its logistics efficiency and decarbonisation agenda.
