Abrao Group and Sinolines: Forging a Future-Ready Maritime Partnership. Founded in 1936 by Paul Abrao, the Abrao Group began as a water transport and stevedoring company, serving the emerging ports of a newly industrializing India. Over the decades, the company pioneered several breakthroughs that shaped India’s maritime narrative.
Among the Group’s most significant milestones in recent years is its partnership with Sinolines, a state-owned enterprise under the China Merchant Energy Shipping. On Friday 19th Abrao group and Sinoline organised a trade meet in Chennai to celebrate the second year of their successful partnership.
Speaking on this occasion Managing Director Lenny Abrao said “We are not just celebrating two years of relationship. We are celebrating a relationship that is anchored in trust, hard work, agility and innovation. We are not celebrating numbers. We are celebrating a belief. A belief in each other, a belief in relationships that matter, a belief in working hard and a belief in creating value for each one of you who are our esteemed stakeholders.”
“ While Sinolines brought in speed, regularity, and consistency, Abrao Group brought in roots, local knowledge and the human touch. In just two years, Sinolines is strongly embedded into the South India market”, said George Abrao, Chairman of Abrao group.
Established in 1998 in Shanghai, Sinolines has become a leading name in Asia’s container shipping sector, with strongholds in Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Patrick Chow, Deputy General Manager, Network Planning Department of Sinolines said, “India is going at rapid pace, and we at Sinolines would like to capitalise the opportunity, and make ourselves to be a strong brand in Indian marketing. Today, we are celebrating the second anniversary of our CIE service, which commenced in September 2023. And from then, we have seen tremendous growth, for which I would like to thank our valuable customers, trade and service partners.”
The rapid scale-up from 500 TEUs in 2023 to 20,000+ TEUs by 2025 shows the business impact. This trajectory represents 20% growth in imports and a striking 45% growth in exports into and out of South India in just two years. Reefer cargo, particularly pharma and perishables, has emerged as a major growth driver, with volumes reaching “tremendous heights” according to the company. Together with PA Maritime, the vision now is to expand India’s role as a hub connecting South East Asia, the Gulf, East Africa, and Western markets.
Group Chief Operating Officer Raju Anthony said, “As I speak, we have already crossed the last calendar year’s total. We have touched 30 plus international ports, supported by more than 300 customers”.
As the partnership enters its third year, Abrao Group and Sinolines are no longer just service providers. They are strategic enablers of trade, charting new frontiers for India’s maritime sector.
