SCI lines up $4 bn to expand fleet size

28 Oct 2009 Evaluate

Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) — the country’s largest shipping company — has outlined a $4-billion capex to expand its fleet of vessels by 2012. The company, which had put new acquisitions on hold pending correction in the shipbuilding prices, now plans to place orders for another 36 ships, as it anticipates improved demand for shipping services beginning 2011.

Government-owned SCI is cashing in on the continuing downturn in the sector, which is giving it the ability to buy second hand vessels at rock bottom prices. New acquisitions are expected to help the company modernise its fleet and create additional capacity in the tankers segment (used to transport crude oil) as well as the dry bulk cargo segment.

Some of the new assets will be second hand buys because their prices are far lower than new buildings. While prices of new buildings are down by 30%, second hand vessels have seen price drop of 50-70% in some segments, making them a good buy. While new ships take a few years for building and becoming operational, second hand ships can be put to use immediately, ensuring faster returns on investment.

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