Our Heritage
In the early 1900s, Jivraj Singhji Reshamwala established a business in Bombay to import bagged rice from Burma and coal from Lourenco Marques and Durban into India.
Later, his two grandsons, Ravindra and Mahendra, aged 21 and 18 respectively, established India's first Ship-Broking and Chartering House. They set up M/s Ravindra K. Reshamwala in July 1948.
The company has a long history of chartering for Crude Oil, Gas, Dry-Bulk, Chemicals, and Project cargoes. It has also been involved in the development of the industry's infrastructure in India.
In the mid-1900s, the Bangur-Soman Group's Shree Digvijay Cement appointed Reshamwala Shipbrokers to advise them on setting up a cement plant in Gujarat, jointly with the Maharaja of Jamnagar, with the aim of exporting bagged and clinker cement. Ravindra Reshamwala identified Sikka as the port most suited for the plant. Upon Reshamwala's study, Shree Digvijay Cements set up their plant, and the Port of Sikka came into being. Today, Sikka is one of India's most active ports.
Prior to 1959, the imports of grains, fertilizers, sugar, and other necessities for the Indian Government were handled by the 'India Supply Mission' offices in London and Washington. Mahendra Reshamwala, along with then Prime Minister late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's team, was instrumental in establishing 'Transchart', a central chartering committee for the Government of India, set up to handle the imports of State-Owned Companies. As an active participant in the formation of Transchart, Reshamwala Shipbrokers was appointed as the first broker on the esteemed Transchart Panel.
The company was the first in India to be involved in project cargo shipments (machinery used in steel plants, paper mills, and cement plants) from North European and Scandinavian ports to India. Moreover, Reshamwala Shipbrokers had the privilege of serving as Indian Oil Corporation's (IOC) exclusive broker from 1960 to 1972, prior to the period when the chartering business shifted to Transchart. The company ventured into the chartering of gas carriers in 1975.
Today, the company is headed by Mr. Ajay Reshamwala, who brings over 45 years of experience as a shipbroker. Under his leadership, Mr. Vivek Reshamwala, Partner, has taken the company to new heights, expanding the existing team with industry experts to scale up operations and business. Mr. Vivek’s professional repertoire includes strengthening Reshamwala's position in the Indian shipping industry, both domestically and globally.
Reshamwala Shipbrokers was the first Indian shipbroking company to establish a global presence in the industry with the launch of its office in Dubai in 2018. Since then, under the vision and leadership of Mr. Vivek Reshamwala, the firm has expanded its operations to other countries such as Singapore and Indonesia, establishing a formidable presence in the global shipping industry. Reshamwala Shipbrokers remains the only Indian shipbroking company with a strong foothold in the international shipping domain.
With a vision for sustainable and effective business practices, Mr. Vivek Reshamwala has integrated the company into green energy and research, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative strategies to ensure excellence in shipbroking services. Under his leadership, the firm has embraced radical innovation, continually enhancing operational efficiency, market insights, and client experience. Built on a foundation of integrity, deep market expertise, and an unwavering commitment to service, the firm has earned a reputation for delivering consistent value and trusted solutions to its global clientele.
Through a combination of strategic foresight, industry knowledge, and dedication to excellence, Mr. Vivek Reshamwala has positioned the company not only as a leader in traditional shipbroking but also as a trailblazer in adopting sustainable practices and exploring new business frontiers.
Today, Reshamwala Shipbrokers continues to be one of India's leading shipbroking firms.
- Our Legacy & Milestones -
Charting India’s Maritime Journey Since 1948
For over seven decades, Reshamwala Shipbrokers has been a cornerstone of India’s maritime industry pioneering shipbroking, shaping infrastructure, and connecting global trade routes. Here’s a look at the milestones that define our enduring legacy.
India’s First Shipbroking House is Born
- M/s Ravindra K. Reshamwala (RKR) was founded by Mr. Ravindra Reshamwala and Mr. Mahindra Reshamwala, marking the birth of India’s first shipbroking and chartering house. This historic foundation laid the groundwork for a professional maritime brokerage industry in India.
Development of Sikka Port
- RKR identified Sikka anchorage in Gujarat as the ideal location for exporting bagged and clinker cement leading to the establishment of Shree Digvijay Cements and the creation of the Port of Sikka, now one of India’s most active ports.
Formation of the Government’s Chartering Committee
- Collaborating with late Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s team, RKR helped establish “Transchart”, the central chartering committee for managing chartering and imports of state-owned companies.
- RKR was honored as the first broker appointed to the Transchart Panel.
Expanding India’s Fleet
- RKR was exclusively entrusted with handling German credit facilities for financing privatized Indian vessels until 1973.
Beneficiary companies included:
- Pempg Steamships Limited
- Apeejay Group
- South India Shipping Corporation
- Scindia Steam Navigation Company
- This strengthened India’s merchant shipping capacity and advanced its private shipping sector.
- RKR managed the exclusive export of bananas for the Banana Growers Federation of Maharashtra & Gujarat until 1977, contributing to India’s agricultural trade and coastal shipping development.
- RKR diversified into ship ownership, operating its own vessel to transport textiles for Reliance Industries between India and the Middle East reflecting foresight in vertical integration and private fleet management.
- Reliance Industries FOB Imports RKR exclusively handled Reliance Industries’ FOB imports of Ethylene, Butenel, VCM, and Propylene until 1996.
- Coastal and Export Cargoes RKR served as the exclusive broker to SDCC, managing both coastal and export movements up to 1972.
RKR assisted Indian ship-owning companies such as Varun Shipping, SCI, and GESCO in procuring Gas Carrier fleets across both LPG and LNG sectors, supporting national energy transport capacity until 2004
- Anticipating a rise in global ship recycling, RKR launched a demolition and green recycling division in 2016.
- Today, this division leads the Indian chemical cargo trade, serving numerous international clients including several global majors.
- Anticipating a rise in global ship recycling, RKR launched a demolition and green recycling division in 2016.
To create an international footprint, Reshamwala Shipbrokers established its first overseas office in Dubai. This strategic expansion aimed to serve the Cross AG, Mediterranean, and African trades, strengthening global connectivity
Singapore Office
Reshamwala Shipbrokers opened a Singapore branch to access Southeast Asian markets, focusing on Specialized Tankers and Sale & Purchase of vessels enhancing regional expertise and client engagement.
Continuing its growth trajectory, the company expanded operations into Indonesia and China, building local partnerships to better serve clients across Asia’s dynamic maritime corridors.
In line with global sustainability goals, Reshamwala Shipbrokers is strengthening its Research Desk and investing in green maritime projects, combining data-driven insight with environmental responsibility to lead the next phase of shipping transformation.