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.
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.
RKR was honored as the first broker appointed to the Transchart Panel.
Beneficiary companies included:
From pioneering India’s shipbroking industry in 1948 to building a global maritime network, Reshamwala Shipbrokers continues to evolve — blending heritage, innovation, and sustainability to steer the future of global shipping.
Our dedicated, diverse team of professionals is key to Reshamwala’s success. The team works closely together in a spirit of collaboration and we place an emphasis on a ‘one team’ which strengthens our information flow and at the same time keeps our businesses confidential.
