Cargo Ship Price in India: Everything You Need to Know
Cargo ships play a crucial role in global trade across oceans. The cost of a cargo ship varies based on its size, type, age, and technology. In India, businesses and investors looking to buy a cargo ship must consider several factors, including pricing, maintenance, financing, and operational costs.
Cargo Ship Price in Indian Rupees
Cargo ship prices in India vary based on type, size, and age. A small general cargo ship (5000 DWT) costs around 41 to 83 crore, a container ship (2000 TEU) ranges from 166 to 332 crore, and a medium bulk carrier (30000 DWT) costs 207 to 332 crore. Large bulk carriers (100000 DWT) and container ships (10000 TEU) are priced between 415 to 1660 crore, while oil tankers and LNG carriers range from 400 to 1600 crore. Used ships are 30 to 70 percent cheaper but require higher maintenance. Financing options like bank loans and leasing are available for buyers in India.
Price of Cargo Ships in India
Cargo ships are priced in millions of dollars, and when converted to Indian Rupees the cost varies significantly. Below is an estimated price range for different types of cargo ships.
Estimated Prices of Cargo Ships
| Ship Type | Price in USD | Price in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Small General Cargo Ship (5000 DWT) | 5 to 10 million | 41 to 83 crore |
| Medium Bulk Carrier (30000 DWT) | 25 to 40 million | 207 to 332 crore |
| Large Bulk Carrier (100000 DWT) | 50 to 100 million | 415 to 830 crore |
| Container Ship (2000 TEU) | 20 to 40 million | 166 to 332 crore |
| Large Container Ship (10000 TEU) | 100 to 200 million | 830 to 1660 crore |
| Oil Tanker (Aframax 120000 DWT) | 50 to 80 million | 415 to 664 crore |
Older ships are available at lower prices. A used cargo ship that is around 10 to 20 years old can be 30 to 70 percent cheaper than a new one. However, maintenance costs are higher for older vessels.
Types of Cargo Ships and Their Purpose
Cargo ships are built to transport different types of goods, and each type has a different price.
Bulk Carrier
Bulk carriers are designed to transport raw materials like coal, iron ore, cement, and grains. These ships come in different sizes, including Cape-size, Panamax, and Handymax. The price of a bulk carrier in India ranges from 200 to 800 crore.
Container Ship
Container ships are used to transport containerized goods such as electronics, machinery, and furniture. These ships are classified based on their capacity, measured in TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit). The cost of a container ship in India can range from 150 to 1500 crore.
Oil Tanker and LNG Carrier
These ships transport crude oil, natural gas, and chemicals. Oil tankers such as Aframax, Suezmax, and VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) are commonly used. The price of an oil tanker can range from 400 to 1600 crore.
Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) Ships
RoRo ships are used to transport vehicles such as cars, trucks, and heavy machinery. These ships have built-in ramps for loading and unloading. The cost of a RoRo ship varies from 300 to 700 crore.
Factors That Affect Cargo Ship Prices
Several factors determine the price of a cargo ship in India.
- Size and Capacity – Larger ships cost more than smaller ones.
- New vs Used – Used ships are cheaper but may require higher maintenance.
- Fuel Efficiency – Modern fuel-efficient ships cost more but save money in the long run.
- Technology and Automation – Ships with advanced navigation systems are priced higher.
- Environmental Standards – Ships following international emission regulations cost more.
Cost Breakdown of Buying a Cargo Ship
Purchasing a cargo ship involves additional costs apart from the base price of the ship.
| Expense | Estimated Cost in INR |
|---|---|
| Registration Fees | 50 lakh to 5 crore |
| Crew Salaries (Annual) | 3 to 20 crore |
| Insurance Cost (Annual) | 5 to 50 crore |
| Maintenance (Annual) | 5 to 100 crore |
| Fuel Cost (Annual) | 100 to 500 crore |
Recent Examples of Cargo Ship Sales
Ever Conquest
- Type: Container Ship (14000 TEU)
- Built Year: 2018
- Sold Price: 120 million USD (around 996 crore INR)
- Buyer: Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
Cape Agamemnon
- Type: Bulk Carrier (180000 DWT)
- Built Year: 2011
- Sold Price: 45 million USD (around 373 crore INR)
- Buyer: Greek Shipping Firm
Marlin Singapore
- Type: Oil Tanker (LNG Dual-Fuel)
- Built Year: 2016
- Sold Price: 80 million USD (around 664 crore INR)
- Buyer: Singapore-based Oil Transport Firm
Where to Buy Cargo Ships in India
Cargo ships can be purchased from shipbuilders, brokers, and online marketplaces.
New Cargo Ships
Some Indian shipbuilders manufacture new cargo ships.
- Cochin Shipyard
- L&T Shipbuilding
- Hindustan Shipyard
Used Cargo Ships
Second-hand cargo ships can be bought from ship brokers or online marketplaces.
- VesselsValue
- Marine Traffic
- ShipSpotting
Financing and Loan Options for Cargo Ships
Cargo ships require a large investment, but financing options are available.
Bank Loans
- Banks such as SBI, ICICI, and HDFC offer loans for commercial shipping.
- Interest rates range from 7 to 12 percent per annum.
Government Subsidies
- The Indian government provides incentives under the Make in India initiative.
- Cochin Shipyard Limited offers financial support for shipbuilding.
Leasing Options
- Leasing a cargo ship is an alternative to buying.
- Shipping companies like Maersk, MSC, and COSCO provide lease options.
- Leasing costs range from 10 to 50 crore per year.
Future of Cargo Ship Prices in India
The future of cargo ship prices depends on several factors.
- The demand for eco-friendly ships is rising, leading to higher prices for LNG and hydrogen-powered vessels.
- Automation and AI-based navigation systems will increase the cost of new ships but reduce operational expenses.
- Government investment in the shipping sector will influence ship prices in India.
Conclusion
The price of cargo ships in India varies depending on their type, size, and features. While a new cargo ship can cost anywhere from 41 crore to 1660 crore, second-hand ships are available at lower prices. Businesses looking to invest in cargo shipping should consider factors such as fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and financing options before making a purchase.
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