Your Directors present the Sixty-second Annual Report and the Audited Accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2025.
(R in lakhs)
31st March, 2025
31st March, 2024
Profit before financial charges, depreciation, exceptional items & tax
281.38
452.71
Financial charges
(43.75)
(54.24)
Depreciation
(36.39)
(45.23)
Profit / (Loss) before exceptional item
201.24
353.24
Exceptional Items
-
400.00
Profit / (Loss) before tax
753.24
Provision for tax (net)
72.68
11.00
Profit / (Loss) after tax
128.56
742.24
Other comprehensive income
(1.25)
(1.46)
Total comprehensive income
127.31
740.78
Brought forward from previous year
(6,388.17)
(7,128.95)
Surplus/(Deficit) in the statement of profit and loss
(6,260.86)
During the year under review, the Company recorded a profit before finance charges, depresciation, exceptional items and taxis of INR 281.38 Lakhs as against INR 452.71 lakhs in the previous financial year. The decrease in profit is primarily on account ofa reduction in lease rental income due to a decrease in the leased area of land at Ratnagiri, along with an increase in Liasoningexpenses paid to a related party.
It is pertinent to mention that during the previous year, the Company had received INR 400 lakhs from a debtor that had beenwritten off in earlier years. This one-time recovery had significantly contributed to the higher profit reported in the previous financialyear.
Additionally, the Company has made a provision for tax amounting to INR 72.68 lakhs during the year under review, as comparedto INR 11 lakhs in the previous year. The lower tax provision in the preceding year was due to the adjustment of brought forwardbusiness losses against taxable business income of INR 694.03 lakhs. These cumulative factors have led to a decline in the profitafter tax by INR 613.68 lakhs compared to the previous year.
The Company has huge experience of operating ships on international cross trade as well as on Indian coast and therefore lookingfor appropriate opportunities in such trade. The Company is exploring possibility of acquiring vessels / tugboats at appropriatetime.
The company maintains effective internal control systems, which are regularly reviewed by the Audit Committee of the Board ofDirectors. Based on the evaluation criteria defined in Section 177 of the Companies Act 2013 and Clause 18 of the SEBI (LODR)Regulations 2015, the Audit Committee has concluded that as of March 31, 2025, our internal financial controls were adequateand functioning effectively.
The Indian economy, alongside many developed nations, continues to strive for a rapid economic growth. As part of theircomprehensive strategies, governments worldwide are prioritizing infrastructure development, which augurs well for global tradedynamics.
Throughout the year, industrial relations remained exceptionally harmonious with no reported disputes or conflicts.
Freight Risks: The charter income is subject to freight rate risks and therefore the Company, at group level, follows the policy ofmixture of short period and long period time charter contracts with first class charters to mitigate volatility in freight rates.
Interest Rate Risk: With a view to avoid uncertainty in the interest rate, the necessary forward cover is taken at regular intervalswherever necessary.
Forex Risk: As major portion of the Group's revenues is generated from international business in the US Dollar terms, the samecreates a natural hedge against foreign exchange exposures. The Company reviews Rupee - US Dollar parity on regular basis toprotect itself from currency fluctuation risks.
At the Company standalone level, there is very limited forex risk for the Company.
Counter Party Risks: The Company engages into charter contracts with the reputed charters to avoid the risks to the freightearnings.
Government Policies: The Company regularly reviews the changes in the applicable government policies affecting operations ofthe Company.
Human Resources: There is a scarcity of floating staff. In view of outsourcing of crew management, the Company gets the benefitof having efficient and cost effective floating staff from the Ship Manager's pool.
Ratios:
Details of significant changes (i.e. change of 25% or more as compared to the immediately previous financial year) in key financialratios, along with detailed explanations therefor, including:
(i) Debtors Turnover : 9.72:1
(ii) Inventory Turnover : Not Applicable
(iii) Interest Coverage Ratio : Not Applicable
(iv) Current Ratio : 2.57:1
(v) Debt Equity Ratio : Not Applicable
(vi) Operating Profit Margin (%): Not Applicable
(vii) Net Profit Margin (%) or sector-specific equivalent ratios, as applicable : Not Applicable
Details of any change in Return on Net Worth as compared to the immediately previous financial year along with a detailedexplanation thereof.
Considering the liquidity and the cash flow position of the Company, the Board of Directors did not recommend any dividend forthe financial year under review.
Throughout the financial year under review, the Company did not need to allocate any funds to reserves.
The paid-up equity shares capital of the Company as on 31st March, 2025 was INR 36,30,84,250 comprising of 36,308,425 sharesof INR 10/- each. During the year under review, there has been no change in the capital structure of the Company.
Chowgule Steamships Overseas Ltd (CSOL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Chowgule Steamships Limited (CSL) registered inGuernsey, United Kingdom, has entered insolvent liquidation. On March 13, 2024, a resolution passed by CSOL's shareholdersinitiated the company's winding up and liquidation process. Leonard Curtis and Sophie Smith have been appointed as jointliquidators to oversee this process.
Pursuant to Section 395(2) of the Companies (Guernsey) Law 2008, as amended (the “Law”), the appointment of a liquidatorresults in the cessation of all powers of the directors, unless the liquidator authorizes their continuation.
Given that CSOL is under liquidation as of the reporting period ending March 31, 2025, financial statements for CSOL as of thatdate have not been prepared. Consequently, consolidated financial statements for CSL have not been prepared.
In accordance with Section 400 of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008, and any amendments thereto, the final meeting of themembers of CSOL was held on 13th March 2025 for the purpose of approving the company's final accounts and passing thenecessary resolutions. Accordingly, a notice of completion of liquidation was filed with the Guernsey Registry on the same day,and the status of CSOL was updated to “Voluntary Winding Up - Part 2.”
Further, if there are no objections until June 16, 2025 the Wholly-owned subsidiary CSOL shall be dissolved pursuant to the saidliquidation process.
The fleet of the Company has been adequately insured against Marine and War Risks.
It is with desolation that the Company announce the passing of Shri. Deepak Chowgule, who served as the Managing Director ofthe Company from June 1996 to July 2005. Prior to that from 1989 till June 1996 he has served in the capacity of Joint ManagingDirector. He served for more than 32 years in the Company.
Mr. Deepak Chowgule was more than a leader he was a visionary whose dedication, integrity, and guidance helped shape theidentity and growth of our organization. Under his leadership the Company reached significant milestones and fostered a cultureof excellence, respect, and collaboration.
Mr. Deepak Chowgule will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments, but also for his kindness, wisdom, andunwavering commitment to people.
On behalf of the Chowgule family as well as Chowgule Global Group, the Company extend its heartfelt condolences to his family,friends, and loved ones. The Company will be grateful for his legacy and the example he set for all of us.
Further During the year under review, there have been no changes in the composition of Bord of Directors of the Company andthere were no changes with respect to the position held by the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company.
On the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC), the Board of Directors, during their meeting onMay 22, 2025, considered and approved the re-appointment of Mr. Amit Khandelwal as an Independent Director for secondterm of Five years and continuation of appointment of reappointment of Dr. Rohini Chowgule and Mr. Ramesh Chowgule asNon-executive Director. Additionally, Mr. Ramesh Chowgule, who retires by rotation and being eligible has offered himself for re¬appointment.
The Company has established a comprehensive Policy for the performance evaluation of the Board, its committees, and individualDirectors, including both Independent and Executive Directors. This policy outlines specific criteria for assessing the performanceof Non-Executive and Executive Directors. The evaluation process considers various factors such as attendance at Board andCommittee meetings, active participation, expertise in relevant domains, adherence to the code of conduct, and contributions tothe company's vision and strategy.
During the year under review, Mr. Vijay Chowgule, was Executive Director, Mr. Vikram Deshpande was the Chief Financial Officer andMs. Rinky Gupta was the Company Secretary and Compliance Officer of the Company
During the year under review, the non-executive directors of the Company maintained no financial relationships or transactions withthe Company, aside from receiving sitting fees, commissions, and reimbursements for expenses incurred while attending Board orCommittee meetings.
In terms of the listing agreement with the BSE Ltd., the Corporate Governance Report is annexed hereto and forms a part of thisReport.
The Board of Directors has laid down a Code of Conduct for all the Board Members and Senior Management of the Company.The said Code has been hosted on the website of the Company. All the Board Members and Senior Management have affirmedcompliance to the Code.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Listing Regulations, the Board has carried out an annual performance
evaluation of its own performance, the directors individually as well as the evaluation of the working of its Audit, Nomination &Remuneration and other Committees.
a) Observations of Board Evaluation carried out for the year - There were no observations in the Board Evaluation carried for theyear.
b) Previous year's observations and actions taken - There were no observations of the Board evaluation for the last financial year
c) Proposed actions based on current year observations - Not applicable
The Board has, on recommendation of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee framed a policy for selection and appointmentof Directors, Senior Management and their remuneration. The details of Remuneration Policy are stated in the Corporate GovernanceReport. The Remuneration policy is annexed to this Directors Report
During the year 5 Board Meetings and 5 Audit Committee Meetings were convened and held. The details of the same are given inthe Corporate Governance Report which is part of this report. The intervening gap between the Meetings was within the periodprescribed under the Act.
The composition of the Audit Committee is in line with the provisions of Section 177 of the Act read with Regulation 18 of SEBIListing Regulations. The Chairman of the Audit Committee is an Independent Director. The details of the composition of the AuditCommittee are given in the Corporate Governance Report which is part of this report. During the year all the recommendation ofthe Audit Committee were accepted by the Board.
The composition of the Stakeholders Relationship Committee (SRC) is in line with the Section 178 of the Act read with Regulation20 of SEBI Listing Regulations.
The composition of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) is in line with the Section 178 of the Act read withRegulation 19 of SEBI Listing Regulations. The details of meetings and their attendance are included in the Corporate GovernanceReport.
During the Financial year 2024-2025 the criteria pertaining to applicability of section 135 and rules made thereunder was attainedand accordingly the company has established a Corporate Social Responsibility committee and formulated a correspondingpolicy, in compliance with Section 135. Detailed information can be found in the Corporate Governance Report and the Annexureto the Director's report pertaining to the details of expenditure incurred towards the Corporate Social Responsibility.
In accordance with Section 134 (3) (a) of the Companies Act 2013, annual return form is available on the Company's websitewww.chowgulesteamhsips.co.in the 'Investor Information' section.
Pursuant to Section 134(5) of the Act, the Board of Directors, to the best of its knowledge and ability, hereby state and confirm that:
a) in the preparation of annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards have been followed and that no material departureshave been made from the same.
b) appropriate accounting policies have been selected and applied consistently and judgments and estimates have been madethat are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at 31st March, 2025and the profit of the Company for that period.
c) proper and sufficient care has been taken for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisionsof the Act, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities.
d) the annual accounts have been prepared on a 'going concern' basis.
e) proper internal financial controls were in place and that the financial controls were adequate and were operating effectively.
f) that systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws were in place and were adequate and operatingeffectively.
Statutory Auditors
Pursuant to the Section 139 of Companies Act, 2013 and other applicable rules there under, M/s. M. N. Chokshi & Co. LLP,Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. FRN 101899W/W100812) were appointed as Statutory Auditor of the Companyfor 5 consecutive financial years commencing from conclusion of 59th Annual General Meeting to conclusion of the 64th AnnualGeneral Meeting. i.e. to audit the accounts for the period commencing from 2022-2023 until 2026-2027. Accordingly, M/s. M.N. Chokshi & Co. LLP., Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. FRN 101899W/W100812) shall continue to be the StatutoryAuditors of the Company till F.Y 2026-2027.
The observation of the Statutory Auditor and explanations of the Board thereon is annexed herewith.
Sr.No.
Observations
Comments
1
The company in its course of operations has entered into several transactions withrelated parties.
The identification of these related parties, transactions entered into with them andthe determination of arm's length price involves significant judgement and estimates.
The Board has identified a certain party as a Related Party during the Board Meetingheld on 22-May-2025.
Refer Note 34 forming part of Standalone IndAS financial statements
The Company identified a certain asa Related Party (s) during the BoardMeeting held on May 22, 2025.Accordingly, the matter has beenplaced before the Audit Committeeand the Board of Directors for theirreview and approval. The Companyalso proposes to seek necessaryapprovals from the shareholdersfor both the past and prospectivetransactions with a certain RelatedParty (s), in order to ensure fullcompliance with the provisions ofRegulation 23 and other applicableprovisions and uphold soundcorporate governance practices.The management represents that itshall undertake all necessary acts,deeds, and compliances requiredto give effect to the applicableregulatory provisions and addressthe observations raised
2
During the course of its operations, the Company has entered into several related partytransactions in the ordinary course of business. While most of these transactions arewithin the prescribed thresholds specified under Section 188 of the Companies Act,2013, certain transactions with a specific related party have exceeded the monetarylimits, without Board approval and require prior approval of the shareholders throughan ordinary resolution at a general meeting.
As per management representation, the approval of the board is proposed in theupcoming board meeting and the approval of the shareholders for these transactionsis being proposed in the upcoming general meeting. As the transactions have beencarried out prior to obtaining shareholder approval, there exists a risk of non-compliancewith Section 188, and potential implications under Section 188(3) and Rule 15 of theCompanies (Meetings of Board and its Powers) Rules, 2014.
Given the regulatory sensitivity, involvement of related parties, the materiality of thetransactions, and the disclosure obligations under IND AS 24 and Regulation 23 of theSEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, we considered this to be a key audit matter.
Secretarial Auditors
M/s. Pranay D. Vaidya & Co. was appointed as the Secretarial Auditor of the Company by the Board of Directors at its meetingheld on May 22, 2025. Pursuant to Regulation 24A of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, the proposal for their reappointmentas Secretarial Auditor for the financial years 2025-26 to 2029-30 is being placed before the shareholders at the ensuing AnnualGeneral Meeting for their approval.
M/s. Pranay D. Vaidya & Co. shall also issue the Secretarial Audit Reports and other certificates as required under SEBI (LODR)Regulations during the said tenure. Additionally, they served as the Secretarial Auditors for the financial year 2024-25. Theobservation of the Secretarial Auditor and explanations of the Board thereon is annexed herewith.
(i)
Prior approvals from the AuditCommittee, Board of Directors, andshareholders, as applicable, were notobtained in respect of Transactionwith certain Related Party (s), andthus the requisite disclosures underthe applicable regulations were notduly made.
The Company identified a certain as a Related Party (s) during the Board Meetingheld on May 22, 2025. Accordingly, the matter has been placed before the AuditCommittee and the Board of Directors for their review and approval. The Companyalso proposes to seek necessary approvals from the shareholders for both the pastand prospective transactions with a certain Related Party (s), in order to ensure fullcompliance with the provisions of Regulation 23 and other applicable provisionsand uphold sound corporate governance practices. The management representsthat it shall undertake all necessary acts, deeds, and compliances required to giveeffect to the applicable regulatory provisions and address the observations raised
This Director's Report has been approved and adopted by Board of Directors of the Company as on 22nd May, 2025 and as onthat date there have been no material changes and commitments which have occurred between the end of financial year and thedate of this report which can have impact on financial position of the Company.
However, on 16th June, 2025 the Wholly-owned Subsidiary Chowgule Steamships Overseas Limited has been dissolved throughvoluntary liquidation process.
During the year under review, the Company has not advanced any loans or made any investments. The balance of Outstandingloans and advances are depicted in Note No. 05 and Note No. 40 of the Standalone Financial Statements forming integral part ofthe balance sheet
In accordance with the requirements of Rule 8 (A) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules 2014, a statement annexed hereto givesthe particulars as required under the said rules and forms part of this Report (Annexure 2).
The information required under section 197 of the Act read with Rule 5(1)(i) of The Companies (Appointment and Remunerationof Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 in respect of employees of the Company and Directors is enclosed as 'Annexure - 3” to thisreport. The Company do not have employees drawing remuneration in excess of limits prescribed under Section 197 read withrules framed thereunder.
The Company has formulated a policy on materiality of Related Party Transactions for dealing with such transactions in linewith the requirements of Listing Regulations. The policy on Related Party Transactions is available on the Company’s websiteviz. chowgulesteamships.co.in. The details of Related party Transaction as required as is Annexed to this Directors Report.
The Risk Management Policy of the Company evaluates various risks surrounding the business of the Company andits subsidiaries and seeks to review and upgrade its risk management process. The Board of Directors formulatesstrategies and takes necessary steps
There were no significant material orders passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals impacting the going concern status of theCompany and its operations in future. During the year under review the company has received notices intimating penalties from thestock exchanges for contravention of certain regulations of SEBI (LODR) Regulations 2015. The company has paid the penalties aslevied by the authorities.
The Company has in place adequate internal controls to commensurate with the size, scale and complexity of its operations.To maintain its objectivity and independence, the Internal Auditors report to the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board.Internal Auditors monitor and evaluate the efficacy and adequacy of internal control system in the Company, its compliance withoperating systems, accounting procedures and policies at all locations of the Company.
Company has established a Vigil Mechanism for enabling the Directors and Employees to report genuine concerns. The VigilMechanism provides for: -
(a) Adequate safeguards against victimization of persons who use the Vigil Mechanism; and
(b) Direct access to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company in appropriate or exceptionalcases. The Audit Committee of the Board has been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the Vigil Mechanism.
The Whistle Blower Policy is available on the website of the Company viz www.chowgulesteamships.co.in
The Company as an organization is committed to provide a healthy environment to all employees and thus does not tolerate anydiscrimination and/or harassment in any form. The Company ensures that there is healthy and safe atmosphere for every employeeat the workplace. There was no case pertaining to any harassment filed during the year.
The Company has not accepted any deposits during the period under review.
The Directors state that applicable Secretarial Standards with regard to Meeting of Board of Directors (SS-1) and General Meetings(SS-2) as well as the Report on Board of Directors (SS-4) issued by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India, have been dulyfollowed by the Company.
In compliance with the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015, your Company has constituted a comprehensiveCode, which lays down guide lines and advises the Directors and Employees of the Company on procedures to be followed anddisclosures to be made while dealing in securities of the Company.
The said policy can be viewed on our website: www.chowgulesteamships.co.in
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required in respect of the following matters as there were no transactions onthese items during the year under review:
a. Issue of equity shares with differential rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise;
b. The Company does not have any scheme of provision of money for the purchase of its own shares by employees or bytrustees for the benefit of employees;
c. No fraud has been reported by the Auditors to the Audit Committee or the Board.
d. There are no shares lying in demat suspense account/unclaimed suspense account. Hence no disclosure is required to begiven for the same
During the year under review there were no application made or any proceedings were pending under insolvency and BankruptcyCode, 2016.
During the year under review there were no instances of One-Time Settlements.
Our Company is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace, free from any form of sexual harassment. Incompliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) thecompany has implemented all laws, provisions and policies for the time being in force
During the year under review, 0 (No) case of sexual harassment was reported in line with POSH guidelines.
During the year under review, the company complied with the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act 1961 along with all theapplicable amendments & undertook necessary measures to ensure compliance for all eligible employees.
Directors place on records their appreciation for the continuing support and co-operation from the customers, vendors, dealers,distributors, resellers, bankers, shareholders, State Industries electricity and other Government departments. The Directors also take thisopportunity to thank the employees for their dedicated service throughout the year in mitigating these risks.
For Chowgule Steamships Limited
Place : Mumbai Vijay Chowgule
Date : May 22, 2025 Chairman
DIN: 00018903