The Scindia Steam Navigation Company was established on 27 March 1919 by four visionary Indian industrialists:
- Narottam Morarji
- Walchand Hirachand
- Lallubhai Samaldas
- Kilachand Devchand
This company was a milestone in India’s maritime history, marking the first major Indian-owned shipping enterprise at a time when British companies dominated sea trade in India.
Before 1919, India’s shipping industry was controlled by British firms like P&O Steam Navigation Company.
The founders of Scindia Steam Navigation challenged this monopoly, paving the way for Indian control over maritime trade.
Unlike earlier Indian ventures in coastal trade, Scindia Steam Navigation focused on ocean-going vessels.
SS Loyalty: The First Indian-Owned Ship (1919)
The company’s first ship, SS Loyalty, embarked on its maiden voyage to London on 5 April 1919.
This historic journey was a symbol of India’s economic self-reliance.
Over the decades, the company grew into a major Indian shipping enterprise.
It laid the groundwork for modern Indian shipping companies, including The Shipping Corporation of India (formed in 1961).
| Aspect | Details |
| Founded | 27 March 1919 |
| Founders | Narottam Morarji, Walchand Hirachand, Lallubhai Samaldas, Kilachand Devchand |
| First Ship | SS Loyalty (1919) |
| Impact | First Indian company to challenge British dominance in maritime trade |
| Legacy | Inspired growth of Indian shipping industry |
The establishment of Scindia Steam Navigation Company was a key step in India’s economic independence movement, promoting self-reliance in global trade.
