Most Indian shipping stocks have delivered strong year-to-date gains, and with escalating geopolitical tensions driving uncertainty in freight rates, they could once again capture investor attention

The agency reduced its 2025 U.S. GDP forecast to 1.6% from the 2.2% expansion it had forecast in March. (Photo Courtesy of Jorg Greuel)

Arnab Paul·Stocktwits

Updated Jul 02, 2025 | 8:31 PM GMT-04

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With rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and increasing volatility in global shipping rates, India’s shipping sector is back in the spotlight.

SEBI-registered analyst Equitymaster Research picks five key shipbuilding stocks to keep an eye on:

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders

Mazagon Dock stands out as the only Indian shipyard capable of building destroyers and conventional submarines.

With an order book of ₹380 billion for FY25 and a capital expenditure plan of ₹50 billion over the next four to five years, the company is positioning itself for long-term growth. It is also targeting a profit-before-tax (PBT) margin of 12–15%.

At the time of writing, the stock is down 0.3% at 3,164.10, having gained nearly 42% year-to-date (YTD).

Retail sentiment on Stocktwits remained ‘bearish’.

Mazdock's Sentiment Meter And Message Volumes At 11:00 a.m. IST On June 26 | Source: Stocktwits

Cochin Shipyard

Cochin Shipyard made headlines by building INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier. Its order book stands at ₹225 billion, with around 70% tied to defence contracts.

The company is also expanding into green shipbuilding, ship repairs, and renewable energy segments—aligning with India's broader push for sustainability and self-reliance in defence.

Cochin Shipyard stock was down 1% at ₹2,114.90. Year-to-date (YTD), the shares have gained 38%.

Retail sentiment on Stocktwits remained ‘bearish’.

Cochin Shipyard.png — Cochinship's Sentiment Meter And Message Volumes At 11:00 a.m. IST On June 26 | Source: Stocktwits

Garden Reach Shipbuilders

Specializing in building frigates, corvettes, and patrol vessels for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Earlier this month, GRSE signed a strategic MoU with Sweden’s Berg Propulsion to build advanced propulsion systems.

The company also signed a deal with the Danish company SunStone to build expedition cruise vessels for adventure tourism and remote sea voyages.

The company expects its order book to surpass ₹400 billion by FY26 and is exploring strong export opportunities.

At the time of writing, Garden Reach Shipbuilders stock was down 1.2% at ₹2,957.50. Year-to-date (YTD), the shares have surged 82%.

Retail sentiment on Stocktwits remained ‘bearish’.

Garden Reach.png — GRSE's Sentiment Meter And Message Volumes At 11:00 a.m. IST On June 26 | Source: Stocktwits

Shipping Corporation of India

India’s largest shipping firm by capacity, SCI operates across liner, bulk, tanker, and offshore services. With a renewed focus on fleet expansion and modernization, the company is well-positioned to benefit from the recovery in global trade volumes.

The company’s stock was marginally lower at ₹222.30 at the time of writing. It has gained 6.25% year-to-date (YTD).

Retail sentiment on Stocktwits turned ‘bearish’ from ‘neutral’ a day ago.