India Steamship (ISS), erstwhile India Steamship Company Limited, was incorporated in 1928 and presumably is the oldest shipping company in the country and has substantive past. It is a part of the K.K. Birla Group of Companies

The company was initially engaged in the Linear Trade, but in 1990 its amalgamation with Ratnakar Shipping and underwent a management change and re-focused it objectives, concentrating on the core competency area of oil tankers, having regard, especially, to the unsatisfied demand of domestic imports of crude oil in India and the complementing opportunities afforded, to well rated/  maintained ships, trading worldwide, in transportation of crude oil.
In order to remain focused on the expansion of its core-competency area of transporting oil products and operating general purpose bulk carriers and to capture on the value-base sea-bearing freight, the company was again amalgamated in 2005 with Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited (CFCL), a group company. The company is listed in the Stock Exchange of Mumbai (BSE).
Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited (CFCL) is  a major player in fertilizer market having a gross turnover of more than 2800 crores. It has different business interest besides fertilizers, like software, chemicals, food processing, shipping, etc. Its registered office in Gadepan near Kota, Rajastan and head office is at New Delhi. However the Shipping Division functions independently.

ISS offers its ships to Charterers (Agents) to employ them on behalf of the company for carrying cargo from one destination to another. There are different categories of ships based on the product that they carry like Oil Tanker, Container, Bulk Carrier and Passenger Carrier. Our fleet consists of Oil Tankers only. This division offers its ship to employ them on behalf of the Company for carrying cargo from one destination to another. Chartering of ship is like hiring a lorry which lifts cargo from anywhere and reaches them to the destination as directed.

ISS maintains and operates their ships as per the standard  maintained by the National and  International Shipping Industry. Technical operations involve survey (inspection) and certification of ships as per National and International requirements . Our ships are maintained with competent, certified’ licensed Officers and Crew.

Quality and Safety is strictly followed and implemented at ISS. The company does not only maintain safety of just its crew and cargo but also protects the environment and for this maintenance and up-gradation of ships are done at regular intervals.

Over the course of next 3-5 years the Shipping Division’s expansion plan aims at acquiring ships to enhance business. It has already invested Rs 1500 cr for new acquisition in the 2006-2007 fiscal. 

The Division is independently headed by an Executive President who reports to the Board of Directors of Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd. There are five departments, namely, Technical Department, Commercial Department, Personnel & Administration Department, Operation, Quality and Safety Department, Finance & Accounts Department each headed by a Departmental Head. Additionally, there is a Senior Vice President, who looks after the new building and purchase/ sale of ships. There is also a representative at New Delhi.