Mumbai: The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI) has officially announced the appointment of Captain Som Raj as the new Director (Personnel & Administration). The appointment is effective from July 15, 2025, and will continue until his superannuation on June 30, 2027, or until further orders, whichever comes earlier.
This key appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), solidifying Captain Som Raj’s transition into one of SCI’s top leadership roles.
About the Role
As Director (Personnel & Administration), Captain Som Raj will be responsible for overseeing the welfare, HR management, and administration of approximately 3,000 SCI employees, including both seafarers and shore staff. His responsibilities span industrial relations, wage negotiations, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure management across SCI’s national footprint.
Profile: Captain Som Raj
A maritime veteran with over 35 years of experience, Captain Som Raj began his career with SCI in 1990 as a Trainee Nautical Officer. He rose to the rank of Ship Master in 2005 and moved to onshore leadership roles from 2007 onward. His notable positions have included:
- Marine Superintendent
- Principal, SCI Maritime Training Institute
- General Manager (Fleet Personnel)
- GM In-charge (Personnel & Administration)
He holds a Bachelor of Science from Punjab University and is qualified as Master (FG)—the highest seafaring certification. His continued commitment to leadership development is evident through advanced certifications in VICT, AECS, and TSTA.
Strategic Contributions
Captain Som Raj has played a pivotal role in:
- Reducing vessel off-hire periods
- Optimizing manpower allocation
- Strengthening SCI’s partnerships with stakeholders like ONGC and the Andaman & Nicobar Administration
- Supporting ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission
- Managing SCI operations during the Prime Minister’s visit to Port Blair
Transition from Interim Leadership
The ACC has also provided ex-post facto approval for the extended additional charge held by Capt. B. K. Tyagi, CMD of SCI, who had been overseeing the P&A portfolio since May 1, 2025. That temporary charge will end with Captain Som Raj officially assuming the role.
Captain Som Raj’s appointment marks a strategic leadership transition at SCI. With decades of operational and personnel management experience, he brings stability, vision, and a deep understanding of the maritime industry to the Director (P&A) role—critical for SCI’s growth and organizational well-being.
About SCI
The Shipping Corporation of India is the largest Indian shipping company, established in 1961 by merging Eastern Shipping Corporation and Western Shipping Corporation. It is a government-owned enterprise playing a crucial role in India’s maritime trade. SCI operates various types of vessels, including bulk carriers, tankers, container vessels, and passenger-cum-cargo vessels. SCI was formed through the amalgamation of Eastern and Western Shipping Corporations. It later absorbed Jayanti Shipping Company (1973) and The Mogul Line Ltd. (1986).
