The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is set to launch a new coastal container shipping service linking Kandla Port in Gujarat and VOC Port in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, through the re-routing of its SMILE (SCI Middle East India Liner Express) service.

The revised port rotation will be: Pipavav – Kandla – Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) – Cochin – Pipavav, with the first vessel scheduled to call at Thoothukudi on 16 June. This move is expected to enhance coastal connectivity between the western and southern coasts of India, boosting the movement of key commodities.

According to the VOC Port Authority, the new route will help transport raw cotton and chemicals from Gujarat, while solar panels, tyres, and machinery spares will be shipped from Tamil Nadu, making logistics more efficient and reducing reliance on road transport.

Currently, the SMILE service connects Cochin, Tuticorin, Colombo, Mundra, Jebel Ali, Pipavav, Hazira, and Cochin, focusing on both coastal and international transhipment.

The plan was finalised during discussions between Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of VOC Port Authority, and Rear Admiral Jaswinder Singh (Retd), Director (Liner and Passenger Services) at SCI, along with senior officials from both organisations.

As of the latest market close, SCI shares on the NSE ended at Rs 210.69, down Rs 4.44, marking a 2.06 per cent decline.

This service aligns with India’s broader Sagarmala programme, aimed at improving port-led connectivity and reducing logistics costs across the country.