Your Directors are pleased to present the Fifteenth Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the financialyear ended March 31,2025.
The Company’s financial performance, for the year ended March 31,2025 is summarized below: -
Particulars
' in Crore
Consolidated
Standalone
For the yearended31-03-2025
For the yearended31-03-2024
Total Income
247.34
82.61
313.29
50.12
Total Expenditure
161.09
200.70
98.22
70.02
EBITDA
187.56
(4.61)
292.15
27.79
Less: Interest & Finance charges
100.55
81.39
76.32
46.95
Less: Provision for Depreciation
0.76
32.08
0.74
Profit / (Loss) before Tax
86.25
(118.08)
215.06
(19.90)
Less: Provision for Tax
-
0.83
Profit / (Loss) for the year beforeshare of profit of associate
(117.25)
(19.07)
Add: Exceptional item
570.32
12.94
156.05
(51.28)
Add: Share of profit of associate
3.51
(0.00)
Add: Other Comprehensive Income/loss
(0.17)
(0.41)
Profit / (Loss) for the year
659.91
(104.73)
370.95
(70.76)
The Key Highlights of the Company’s performance (Standalone)for the year ended March 31,2025 are as under:
1. Net Revenue from operations recorded at ' 20.50 Crore asagainst revenue of ' 15.76 Crore in the previous financialyear.
2. Net Profit recorded at ' 370.95 Crore as against last year’sNet loss of ' 70.76 Crore
The management is optimistic for its future performanceand will endeavors all its efforts to keep the organization asprofitable concern.
In view of accumulated losses from the previous financialyears and with a view to conserve the resources, your Boardof Directors have not recommended any dividend for the yearended 31st March, 2025.
During the year under review, there was no change in the natureof the business activities of the Company.
The Company has not transferred any amount to any Statutoryor general reserves during the Financial Year ended 2024-25.
No material changes and commitments, affecting the financialposition of the Company, have occurred between the end of thefinancial year of the Company and the date of this Report.
Oil Industry is one of the largest industry across the world.All major economies are highly dependent on oil industry
for energy needs. The global supply/demand is going tosee only a marginal increase in coming years as the shiftto green energy has been gaining pace among high oildemanding nation. The industry has seen lesser activity asthe oil prices has been less volatile in last few years. IEAestimates lowered growth estimates for demand increase of2.5 mb/d till 2030 to reach 105.5 mb/d and supply too haveseen lowered estimates with expected raise by 5.1 mb/dto 114.7 mb/d by 2030. In most of the countries nationaloil companies are the major player and they contributesignificantly in their domestic industries. The industry canbe broken down into three key areas:
• Upstream;
• Midstream; and
• Downstream
The largest volumes of products of the Oil and Gasindustry are fuel oil and gasoline (petrol). Petroleum isthe primary material for a multitude of chemical products,including pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, solvents and plastics.Petroleum is therefore integral to many industries, and isof critical importance to many nations as the foundation oftheir industries.
As of July 28, 2025, WTI crude oil is trading around $65/bbl, with the average for Q2 2025 at approximately $64.78and June 2025 around $68.17. The stabilization of pricesover last few quarters with on-going geopolitical volatilityattributed to global economic uncertainties, shifts in tradedynamics, and change in axis of oil supplier. While priceshad exceeded $70 in 2024 and early 2025, they havesoftened slightly in mid-2025 compared to the previousyear.
This recovery and sustained price level have resulted froma few key factors:
• OPEC production restraint: The productionagreement between OPEC and non-OPEC countriesremains in force, with significant group-wide outputcuts extended through the end of 2025 to supportmarket stability.
• Phased voluntary cuts: OPEC decided to graduallyphase out additional voluntary cuts starting in April2025, in response to market fundamentals and oilinventories, allowing for increased flexibility as theymonitor and respond to evolving market conditions.
• Global supply and demand balancing: Althoughnon-OPEC producers are increasing supply, theoverall consensus among major exporters remainsfocused on managing output to avoid oversupply andsupport prices.
• Rig Market Conditions: Rig Market Conditionsfor semi-submersibles have shown mixed signals
in 2024-25: While demand has remained relativelystable, contracting activity has experienced a notableslowdown with just a handful of new dayratesrecorded since January 2024. The market has beencharacterized by increased attrition of older units, withseven vintage semi-submersibles removed from theactive fleet during 2024 (average age 43.6 years),followed by three additional retirements in early 2025with a much lower average age of 13.3 years. Thistrend reflects market adjustments to lower demandexpectations continuing into 2025 and early 2026.
• Rig Demand: Rig Demand for semi-submersibleshas faced headwinds in 2024-25: Global committedmarketed utilisation decreased by 3 percentage pointsto 78% at the end of 1Q 2025 versus the previousquarter, primarily driven by reduced contracting activity.The slowdown in semi-sub award activity has beenevident throughout the year, with only nine fixturesmade during 1Q 2025, adding six years of semi¬sub work backlog. Regional demand patterns showNorway maintaining strong performance with 65% ofnew awards, while other regions including Australia,Egypt, the UK, US and Trinidad and Tobago accountfor the remainder.
• Global Rig Deployment: Global Rig Deployment forsemi-submersibles has remained relatively stable butwith regional variations: The global marketed semi¬sub supply stood at 76 units at the end of March 2025,unchanged from the previous quarter. The North Seasemi-sub segment closed 1Q 2025 with marketedcommitted utilisation at 81%, representing a two-percentage point decrease compared to the previousquarter. In Southeast Asia and Australia, nine semi-submersibles were operating at the end of 1Q 2025,with committed marketed utilisation at 63.1%, showingsix out of nine available units committed for work.
• Rig Availability: Rig Availability has been impactedby strategic fleet management decisions: The activefleet has been reduced through increased scrapping ofvintage units, with market reports indicating a noticeableincrease in attrition of older semi-submersibles. Theretirement of units has been accelerated in responseto lower demand in 2024, with the trend expectedto continue into 2025 and early 2026. This strategicreduction in supply through scrapping has helpedmaintain utilisation levels despite softer demandconditions, particularly as North Sea demand hasdwindled.
• Rig Dayrates: Rig Dayrates have shown regionaldisparities with Norway leading premium pricing:Norway continues to command consistently high andcontinually increasing dayrates, with the average forthe second half of 2024 reaching $443,000, supportedby technologically advanced harsh-environment
semi-submersibles (mostly 6th generation harsh-environment units). West African average dayratesremained strong at $415,000 in H2 2024, thoughbased on limited activity with just one fixture. SouthAmerica recorded two new mutually agreed dayratefixtures during the period - a 400-day Brazilian fixtureat $325,000 and a 200-day fixture off Suriname.However, the UK recorded no new fixtures during thesecond half of 2024, with demand remaining sluggish,reflecting the challenging market conditions in certainregions.
• Summary: The semi-submersible offshore drilling rigmarket in FY 2024-2025 has been characterized byregional concentration of demand, limited contractawards, and accelerated fleet attrition. While dayratesremain strong in premium markets like Norway, overallglobal utilization has declined, reflecting a slowdownin contracting activity and ongoing fleet rationalization.The outlook remains cautiously optimistic, supportedby harsh-environment and deepwater projectdevelopment, but near-term challenges around limitednew work and competitive pricing pressures persist.
Rapid economic growth among emerging nations is leadinggrowth in excess demand, while major economies hadcurtailed oil demand growth. The crude oil consumptionsrevised estimates were lowered for FY 26 by IEA and othermajor oil observer citing increased production paired withlowered demand projection. In April, J.P. Morgan Researchlowered its Brent price forecast to $66/bbl for 2025 and $58/bbl for 2026, indicating persistent weaker demand in spiteof major oil policy changes. The supply pressure is furtherto be accentuated by Saudi Arabia decisions to utilize theirOPEC supply quota in response of growing market shareof US WTI crude. The major increase in oil production willbe observed by non-American OECD nations.
In terms of barrels, IEA forecasts India’s oil consumptionto rise by 1 mb/d in FY24-30 period which is half of thetotal increase in demand by Asian economies. The annualCAGR is set to be 2.8% reaching 6.7 mb/d in 2030 from 5.8mb/d in 2025.
The Indian oil constituents’ growth is dependent on multipleoil products; Gasoline and diesel will lead the surge,growing at 4.0% and 3.3% CAGR respectively, while jetfuel demand rebounds post-covid crash at 5.6% amidexpanding air travel. LPG consumption grows moderately,reflecting continued household and petrochemical use. Incontrast, demand for naphtha, residual fuel oil, and otherproducts remains flat, signaling a gradual shift away fromindustrial and heavy fuel reliance. The country’s energyprofile continues to evolve alongside economic growth and
mobility trends.
Natural Gas consumption is forecast to increase at a CAGRof 12.2% to 550 MCMPD by 2030 from 174 MCMPD in2021.
India is looking to aggressively increase the total capacity ofdomestic refinery and throughput ratios. The IEA estimates,the total capacity of refinery in 2024 was 5.8mb/d whichwill grow by 17.24% to 6.8 mb/d. The comparative globalrefinancing capacity will increase by 2.36% to 108.3 mb/din 2030.
Energy demand of India is anticipated to grow faster thanenergy demand of all major economies globally on theback of high capital investment through FPIs and publicinvestment fueling domestic demand.
As per PIB reports, the country’s share in global primaryenergy consumption is projected to double by 2035. Ourcurrent global share is 6% which is set to be contributing to12% in 2035. Currently, we are capturing 25% of the newlycreated oil consumption demand along the rapid expansionof renewables capacity in last 10 years.
Global maritime trade outperformed expectations in 2023due to easing pressures on the global economy and better-than-expected economic performance in large economies.Global maritime trade in terms of ton-miles is estimatedto have grown by 4.2 per cent in 2023—faster than tradein tons—due to shifts in trade patterns from the ongoingimpacts of the war in Ukraine, the disruptions in the RedSea and reduced water levels in the Panama Canal, all ofwhich extended ship journeys and distances. These shiftingtrade patterns remain in focus.
UNCTAD forecasts maritime trade volume to expand by2 per cent in 2024 driven by increased demand for majorbulks such as bauxite, coal, containerized goods, grain,iron ore and oil. However, geopolitical tensions and thegrowing severity and frequency of extreme weather eventsadd to the underlying threats and vulnerabilities that couldpersist into 2025 and beyond.
In 2023, fleet capacity grew faster than maritime tradevolumes; longer routes helped absorb surplus capacity. Atthe start of 2024, the global fleet was made up of around109,000 vessels . Fleet growth was uneven in 2023 withcontainer ship capacity jumping by nearly 8 per cent andthat of liquefied gas carriers growing by 6.4 per cent. Tankergrowth remained low, expanding by less than 2 per cent.The world’s total fleet capacity reached about 2.4 billiondead weight tons, with bulkers making up 42.7 per cent andoil tankers 28.3 per cent of the total.
Fleet capacity growth is projected to grow at a similar ratein 2024 (by 3.4 per cent) and decelerate to 2.7 per centin 2025 (Clarksons Research, 2024b). This slowdownreinforces the trend of recent years while also reflectinga low order book, long lead times at shipyards, highernewbuilding prices, and a strong secondhand market. In2023 and the first half of 2024, the supply of ship capacityand vessel utilization were shaped by system inefficienciesand new opportunities to deploy fleet capacity arisingfrom ongoing supply chain disruptions and rerouting.An example is the use of “shadow” fleets (particularly intankers) amplified by the continued war in Ukraine andreinforced by latest disruptions. This trend has extendedthe service life for existing ships, boosted ship sales andpurchases, increased second-hand prices, slashed shipdemolition levels and motivated some investments in newbuilt vessels. In 2023, China, the Republic of Korea andJapan continued to dominate the shipbuilding market withthese three countries accounting for about 95 per centof the global output. This was the first time that Chinadelivered more than 50 per cent of the world’s new shipcapacity. The Republic of Korea contributed 28.2 per centand Japan contributed 14.9 per cent. At the start of 2024,the global ship order book represented 12 per cent of deadweight tonnage, totaling 4,870 vessels and 283 million tons.In terms of value, the order book reached 405.5 billion inJune 2024, marking a 20.7 per cent increase from the sameperiod in 2023. LNG carriers averaged 27 per cent of fleetcapacity in 2022, nearly 50 per cent in 2023 and over 51 percent in the first quarter of 2024.
While impressive, the highest LNG carriers order book-to-fleet-capacity ratio was recorded in 2006 (88 per cent).Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers have also attractedmore orders, with a share of approximately 23 per cent in2023.
This reflects expectations that LPG carriers and vesselsdesigned to run on ammonia (NH3 vessels) will be capableof transporting ammonia as an alternative fuel. Although
the fuels of the future remain uncertain, the greening of theglobal order book is under way. This includes orders forships that can use multiple types of fuel and those equippedwith dual fuel capabilities, allowing them to use more than asingle fuel type.
Regulatory measures to combat climate changeincreased in 2023. The European Union introduced theETS scheme and compliance with the requirements ofthe International Maritime Organization (IMO) relatingto the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) andthe Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) became mandatory.IMO also adopted its 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction ofGHG Emissions from Ships, which strengthened targetsfor shipping by aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. Inthe context of growing decarbonization commitments, aswell as a relatively moderate order book and restrainedinvestment in new builds, global fleet renewal is emergingas a key theme. The global shipping fleet is ageing, withmany ships soon due to reach the end of their service.
The shares of various ship types in the world fleet capacity,
1980 and 2024
Percentage share of total dead weight tons
Source: UNCTAD calculations, based on data from table 11.1 of this report and UNCTAD statistics.
The landscape of international maritime trade hasundergone significant transformations, particularly in thelight of recent global disruptions and evolving geopoliticaldynamics. The global economy faces numerous challengesthat could impact medium-term growth prospects. Persistentinflation, particularly in the services sector, makes it moredifficult to normalize monetary policies, with central bankscautious about easing too quickly. Inflationary pressuresare expected to remain high in several regions. High publicdebt levels in many economies, combined with elevatedborrowing costs, constrain fiscal space and limit the abilityof Governments to respond to economic shocks.
Conversely, upside opportunities include the expansionof green energy and artificial intelligence-related productsectors, as well as potential interest rate cuts in majoreconomies that could boost trade. Maintaining a balance
between immediate priorities and long-term sustainabilityand resilience goals will be essential for the continuedgrowth and stability of international maritime trade.
The company is continuously monitoring the market to enterinto purchase of assets and operations thereby. Currently thecompany owns a Tug that is employed with for a long termcharter of at market rates. The company is also looking foropportune time to acquire ships from the market.
The Company entered into Management Service Agreement(MSA) with one of its wholly owned subsidiary (WOS) and with agroup company for providing back office support services whichinclude Financial transactions processing and Financial supportservices, Procurement and sourcing services and Humanresource management. The Company is charging fixed monthlyfees against the services provided to those companies in linewith the shareholders’ approval vide resolution dated 29-09¬2023. The aforementioned MSA contracts has been terminatedduring 1st quarter of FY 2025-26.
Your Company has two direct subsidiaries and one step-downsubsidiary & one overseas step-down subsidiary. OGD ServicesHoldings Limited, Mauritius, and Essar Shipping DMCC aredirect subsidiaries of the Company. OGD Services Limited, Indiais the step down subsidiary of the Company. Your company alsoholds jointly majority of stake in DrillXplore Services PrivateLimited with its wholly owned subsidiary OGD Services HoldingsLimited.
Energy II Limited cease to be the associate Company w.e.fDecember 25, 2024 and residual investments in Energy IILimited has been sold during quarter one of FY 2025-26.
A report on the performance and financial position of each of thesubsidiaries and associates companies as per the CompaniesAct, 2013 is provided as Annexure F to this report and hence notrepeated here for the sake of brevity. The Policy for determiningmaterial subsidiaries as approved by the Board is available onCompany’s website Essar Shipping Limited - Essar
In accordance with the Companies Act, 2013, SEBI (ListingObligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015(“Listing Regulations”) and Indian Accounting Standard (IND-AS) - 110 on Consolidated Financial Statements read withIND-AS-28 on Accounting for Investments in Associates, theaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are provided in theAnnual Report. The audited Consolidated Financial Statementstogether with Auditors’ Report thereon form part of the AnnualReport.
The one step down subsidiary, one associate and one jointlycontrolled entity not considered for Consolidation process. Thestep down subsidiary admitted to NCTL and gone into liquidation
and one associate and one jointly controlled entity was held bystep down subsidiary, which has gone into liquidation. Hence,the share of profit / (loss) for the quarter and year ended March31, 2025, has not been included in the Consolidated FinancialStatements of the Company.
The Financial Statements of one step down subsidiary (whichhas been admitted to NCLT and gone into liquidation) have notbeen consolidated.
In case of an associate, which ceased to be an associate w.e.f.December 26, 2024, the share of profit / (loss) of ' 3.51 Crorefor the period April 1, 2024 to December 25, 2024 , has beenconsidered for consolidation.
Your Company believes that employee competence andmotivation are necessary to achieve its business objectives.ESL has undertaken many training initiatives to enhancetechnical and managerial competence of the employees. ESLhas even undertaken a series of initiatives to enhance emotionaland intellectual engagement of employees.
Essar Radio: Used as a key medium to communicate importantupdates about the different projects that were going on atdifferent sites. Leaders from every location including founderstook the opportunity to connect with employees, discussing thestrategies about how they aim to overcome the hurdles withouthampering or jeopardising business timelines and also takingcare of safety of the employees.
Manpower Optimization: As we believe in working in openmind culture, we do take care of employee’s wellbeing and skillset. As an integral part of manpower planning, the companyeffectively places the employees within the other business entityand assigned them roles equivalent to their skill sets, rather thanclosing their employment/contract.
In addition to the above mentioned initiatives, engagementprograms like Health webinars, Yoga classes, and onlinecounselling programme were also conducted. Thistransformation made it possible to scale learning efforts in amore cost-effective way and permits greater engagement duringthe locked in scenarios. Hence, initiatives like these taken duringthe year helped employees and their families to stay motivatedand healthy.
The Company has policies on code of conduct, sexualharassment of women at workplace, whistle blower, corporategovernance, insider trading etc. guiding the human assets ofthe Company. For the year under review, there was no instanceof the sexual harassment reported pursuant to the SexualHarassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibitionand Redressal) Act, 2013.
COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SEXUALHARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION,PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
The Company is committed to uphold and maintain the dignityof women employees and it has in place a policy which providesfor protection against sexual harassment of women at workplace and for prevention and Redressal of such complaints.
The Company has complied with the provisions relating toConstitution of Internal Complaints Committee under the SexualHarassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibitionand Redressal) Act of 2013. The Company has not received anycomplaint of sexual harassment at workplace during the year.
Number of complaints filed during the financial year
NIL
Number of complaints disposed of during the financialyear
Number of complaints pending for more than 90 days
The Board of Directors of the Company provide entrepreneurialleadership and plays a crucial role in providing strategicsupervision, overseeing the management performance, andlong-term success of the Company while ensuring sustainableshareholder value. Driven by its guiding principles of CorporateGovernance, the Board’s actions endeavor to work in the bestinterest of the Company.
The Directors hold a fiduciary position, exercises independentjudgment, and plays a vital role in the oversight of the Company’saffairs. Our Board represents a tapestry of complementary skills,attributes, perspectives and includes individuals with financialexperience and a diverse background.
During the year under review there were no changes in theBoard of Directors of the Company except the following:
1. Ms. Raji Chandrasekhar have tendered her resignationfrom the post of Independent Director with effect fromclosing hours of May 28, 2024;
2. Mr. Vipin Jain was appointed as a Whole-Time Director ofthe Company with effect from May 28, 2024.
As per Regulation 17(1)(c) of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015,Board of top 2000 listed entities w.e.f. April 01, 2020 shallcomprises of at least six Directors, as such, on March 31,2025, there were six directors on the Board of Company withIndependent Director as Chairman of the Board.
The Company has received declarations from all the IndependentDirectors of the Company confirming that they meet with thecriteria of independence as prescribed under sub-Section (6) ofSection 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 and under Regulation16 (b) (iv) of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
Pursuant to Sections 134 and 178 of the Act and theRegulations 17 and 19 of the Listing Regulations, Nominationand Remuneration Committee (‘NRC’) has set the policy for
performance evaluation of Independent Directors, Board,Committees and other individual directors; separate meetingof Independent Directors; familiarization programme forIndependent Directors, etc. is provided under CorporateGovernance Report annexed with this Report and the relevantpolicies are also available on the website of the Company EssarShipping Limited - Essar
Based on the criteria set by NRC, the Board has carried out theannual evaluation of its own performance, its committees andindividual Directors for FY 2024-2025. The questionnaires onperformance evaluation were prepared in line with the GuidanceNote on Board Evaluation date January 5, 2017, issued by SEBI
The performance of the Board and Individual Directors wereevaluated by the Board seeking inputs from all the Directors.The performance of the Committees was evaluated by the Boardtaking input from all the Committee members. NRC reviewedthe performance of individual Directors, separate meetings ofIndependent Directors were also held to review the performanceof Non-Independent Directors and performance of the Board asthe whole. Thereafter, at the board meeting, performance of theBoard, its committees and individual Directors was discussedand deliberated.
Further the evaluation of the Independent Directors wasdone by the entire board of directors of the Company. Theirevaluation included performance of directors and fulfillment ofthe Independence criteria as specified in these regulations andtheir independence from the management.
In terms of section 203 of the Companies Act, 2013, As on March31,2025 the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company are Mr.Rajesh Desai, Executive Director, Mr. Vipin Jain, Chief FinancialOfficer and Ms. Rachana H Trivedi, Company Secretary &Compliance Officer.
Further during the period under review, Ms. Rachana H Trivedi,tendered her resignation on March 22, 2025 from the post ofCompany Secretary w.e.f. close of business hours of March 31,2025 and simultaneously, Mr. Bharat Modi is appointed as aCompany Secretary & Compliance Officer w.e.f. April 01, 2025at the Board Meeting held on March 31,2025.
During the year ended March 31,2025, 6 (Six) meetings of theBoard were held 6 times, that is on May 28, 2024, June 08,2024, August 8, 2024, November 13, 2024, February 04, 2025,March 31,2025.
Currently the Board has 5 Committees viz. Audit Committee,Nomination & Remuneration Committee, StakeholdersRelationship Committee, Share Transfer Committee andCorporate Social Responsibility Committee.
A detailed note on the composition of the Board and itsCommittees and other related particulars are provided in the
Report of Directors on Corporate Governance forming part ofthis Annual Report.
There was no change in the Share Capital during the year underreview.
The Stock Exchanges have rejected the application forReclassification of M/s. Imperial Consultants & SecuritiesLimited from Promoters category to Public category. Further, theCompany would be applying with fresh application to both theStock Exchanges.
Further during the period under review, the company has issuedand allotted Non-Convertible Debentures as follows:
1. 2,50,00,000, 1% Unsecured, Redeemable, Unlisted,unrated, Non-Convertible Debentures to M/s. Essar SteelMetal Trading Limited;
2. 2,50,00,000, 8.25% Secured, Redeemable, Unlisted, Non¬Convertible Debentures to M/s. Abhinand Ventures PrivateLimited;
3. 6,00,00,000, 1% Secured, Redeemable, Unlisted, Non¬Convertible Debentures to M/s. Abhinand Ventures PrivateLimited
Further, during the under review, 1% 3,20,00,000 unlisteddebentures issued on 13 December 2023 were fully redeemedby the company.
Your Directors state that:
(a) in the preparation of the annual accounts for the year endedMarch 31, 2025, the applicable accounting standards hadbeen followed and there are no material departures fromthe same;
(b) the Directors have selected such accounting policiesand applied them consistently and made judgments andestimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give atrue and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company asat March 31, 2025 and of the of the Company for the yearended on that date;
(c) the Directors had taken proper and sufficient care forthe maintenance of adequate accounting records inaccordance with the provisions of the Companies Act,2013 for safeguarding the assets of the Company and forpreventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
(d) the Directors had prepared the annual accounts on a goingconcern basis. The auditors have expressed an emphasisof matter on Going Concern in their Consolidated AuditReport relating to a step down subsidiary.
(e) the Directors, had laid down internal financial controlsfollowed by the Company and that such internal financialcontrols are adequate and were operating effectively as
endorsed by Statutory Auditor in their separate reportannexed to the Annual Report
(f) the Directors had devised proper systems to ensurecompliance with the provisions of all applicable laws andthat such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
Your Company has a Risk Management Policy that outlines theframework and procedures to assess and mitigate the impactof risks, and to update the Board and the senior managementon a periodical basis on the risk assessed, actions taken formitigation and efficacy of mitigation measures. With efficientRisk Management Framework, your Company managed:
(a) Economic Risks by entering into long term contracts withreputed global majors in each of its divisions therebyensuring long term profitability of the Company and assuredcash flows;
(b) Interest Rate Risk by undertaking suitable hedgingstrategies to overcome any adverse interest rate risks.It has formulated internal target rates at which any openinterest rate risk can be hedged;
(c) Control over the operational matrix of various vessels toreduce cost and reduce downtime of vessels; and
(d) Control over various OPEX cost of the organization.
As per LODR, Regulation 2015, Risk Management Committeeis required to be constituted by top 1000 Companies based onmarket capitalisation, since your Company does not fall in thatcategory, the constitution of Risk Management Committee is notrequired for your company. However, Company do believe andhad put best efforts to minimise/mitigate the risk.
Your Company has a well-established framework of internaloperational and financial controls, including suitable monitoringprocedure systems which are adequate for the nature of itsbusiness and the size of its operations. The detailed reportis given in Corporate Governance Report. Based on theperformance of the internal financial control, work performedby internal, statutory and external consultants and reviewsof Management and the Audit Committee, the board is of theopinion that the Company’s internal financial controls wereeffective and adequate during the FY 2024-2025 for ensuringthe orderly efficient conduct of its business including adherenceto the Company’s policies, safeguarding of its assets, theprevention and detection of fraud and errors, the accuracy andcompleteness of accounting records and timely preparations ofreliable financial disclosures.
During the period under review, company issued and allottedNon-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) worth ^1100 Crores byconverting existing inter-corporate deposits (ICDs) into NCDs.
Hence there was no variation in the utilization of funds.CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company is committed to maintaining the highest standardsof corporate governance and has put in place an effectivecorporate governance system. The Company has compliedwith all mandatory provisions of SEBI (LoDr) Regulations2015, relating to Corporate Governance. A separate report onCorporate Governance as stipulated under the SEBI (LODR)Regulations, 2015 forms part of this Report. The requisitecertificates from the Auditors of the Company regardingcompliance with the conditions of corporate governance areattached to the report on Corporate Governance.
The Company is in compliance with Section 177 of theCompanies Act, 2013 and Regulation 18 and Regulation 22 ofthe Listing Regulations established Vigil Mechanism by adoptingthe ‘Whistle Blower Policy’, for Directors and Employees.The Whistle Blower Policy provides for adequate safeguardsagainst victimization of persons who use such mechanismand have provision for direct access to the Chairperson of theAudit Committee in appropriate cases. A copy of the WhistleBlower Policy is available on the website of the Company EssarShipping Limited - Essar
The Corporate Social Responsibility Committee comprises ofthe following members:
Sr.
No
Name of Member
Designation
1.
Mr. Sunil Modak
Chairman
2.
Mr. Rajesh Desai
Member
3.
Ms. Raichel Mathew
Since the Company has incurred losses in proceeding threefinancial years, it was not required to spend on CSR ActivitiesFurther, in terms of provisions of Section 135 read with TheCompanies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules,2014 CSR Report is annexed to this Report as Annexure-A.
The Company has implemented the “Essar Shipping EmployeesStock Option Scheme-2011” (“Scheme”) in accordance with theSecurities and Exchange Board of India (Employee Stock OptionScheme and Employee Stock Purchase Scheme) Guidelines,1999 (“the SEBI Guidelines”).
The term of scheme of Employee Stock Option was for a period ofseven years which got completed in the year 2018. As the objectiveof the trust is attained, the ESOS trust has been wound up.
M/s. C N K & Associates LLP, Chartered Accountants - StatutoryAuditors (Registration No. 101961 W/W - 100036) were re¬
appointed at 10th AGM of the Company held on September 30,2020 to hold the office up to the conclusion of 15th AGM of theCompany to be held in the year 2025.
The Audit Report on the Financial Statements of the Companyfor F.Y. 2024-25 forms part of this Annual Report.
The Report does not contain any qualification, reservation,adverse remark or disclaimer. The Company has confirmed withAuditors that they satisfy the criteria provided under Section 141of the Act and rules framed thereunder.
Further, M/s. Manohar Chowdhry & Associates, CharteredAccountants (Registration No. 01997S) would be appointed asthe Statutory Auditors of the Company for a term of Five (5)consecutive years, to hold office from the conclusion of Fifteenth(15th) AGM till the conclusion of Twentieth (20th) AGM of theCompany to conduct statutory audit from FY2026 to FY2030.
Further with regard to the observations made in Annexure A tothe Auditors’ Report, the management explanation is as under:
1. As on March 31, 2025, the Company has accumulatedlosses of ' 6,520.75 crore as against capital and reservesof ' 5,217.75 crore. Some of the Lenders of the Company’sSubsidiary (which has gone into liquidation) where theCompany is a Guarantor, have filed applications beforethe High Court / National Company Law Tribunal / DebtRecovery Tribunals for recovery of overdue amounts and /or enforcement of guarantees.
The Company has disposed off most of its assets and someof the investment in subsidiaries with a view to pay off itsoutstanding dues to lenders / vendors. The Company’scurrent liabilities exceed its current assets as on March 31,2025.
2. The Company has certain significant open legal proceedingsfor various matters with the Lenders of Company’sSubsidiary & Customers, continuing from earlier years.
The company is contesting all the open legal matters.During FY 2024-2025, some of the legal cases were settled.
3. We draw attention to Note No. 28 to the StandaloneFinancial Statements, which indicates that as on March 31,2025, the Company has accumulated losses of ' 6,520.75crore as against capital and reserves of ' 5,217.75 crore.The Company has defaulted on several loans and someof the lenders of the Company’s subsidiary (which hasgone into liquidation) where the Company is a Guarantor,have filed application before various forums for recovery ofoverdue amounts and / or enforcement of guarantees. TheCompany has disposed off most of its assets and some ofthe investments with a view to pay off its outstanding dues tolenders / vendors. The Company’s current liabilities exceedits current assets as on March 31,2025. This indicates thata material uncertainty exists that may cast doubt on theCompany’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company, however, has represented that, as mentionedin Note No. 28 to the Standalone Financial Statements, theCompany has earned operating income from Tug givenon Bare-boat charter basis and management fees and istaking steps to rectify the mismatch in working capital. Inview of the above, the Company has prepared the accountsas a going concern.
4. In an earlier year, the Company had settled the loan with abank and paid the dues through monetisation of assets andrecognised gain on settlement. Post settlement, the Bankhad assigned the said loan to an Asset ReconstructionCompany (Assignee Company). Pending outstanding bankguarantee (which was withdrawn during the year ended31st March 2024) and pending Group level settlement, ‘NoDue Certificate’ (NOC) was not received from the Bank orthe Assignee Company till March 31,2024.
During the year, the Company has paid an amount of ' 0.60crore and received the NOC from the Assignee Company.The amount paid has been charged to the Statement ofProfit and Loss and has been shown as an exceptionalitem.
5. We draw attention to Note No. 3(A) and 8 of the StandaloneFinancial Statements relating to agreement for sale ofshares held by the Company in a subsidiary. Duringthe year, part of the consideration amounting to USD52,499,960 has been received and sale of shares to theextent of consideration received has been recognised in thebooks of account.
The Company has filed necessary forms with the ReserveBank of India in this regard. The balance shares are held forsale and have been disclosed accordingly.
6. We draw attention to Note No. 19(B) of the StandaloneFinancial Statements relating to payment of ' 50.83 croresto two banks during the year towards One Time Settlement(OTS) between the said banks and a step-down subsidiaryof the Company.
In respect of one bank, the Company has settled theloan and paid the dues and‘no dues certificate’ has beenreceived from the said bank. The Company does not expectany additional liability to devolve in this regard. In respect ofthe other Bank, the OTS is yet to be concluded.
Since the step-down subsidiary is under liquidation, hencethe entire amount paid is doubtful of recovery and samehas been fully provided for.
7. The Company has netted off of ' 331.26 Crore payableto a wholly owned overseas subsidiary with the amountreceivable from the said subsidiary. This is subject topending application and approval from the regulatoryauthorities.
Once we will get the approval for set-off, net amount will beshown as receivables from the subsidiary company.
8. We draw attention to Note No. 28 to the ConsolidatedFinancial Statements wherein it is stated that:
• The Group has accumulated losses of ' 5,506.39 croreas against capital and reserves of ' 3,126.76 crore ason March 31,2025.
• Some of the lenders of one of the subsidiaries whichhas gone into liquidation) where the holding companyis a Guarantor have filed application before variousforums for recovery of overdue amounts and / orenforcement of guarantees.
• The Group’s Holding Company has disposed off mostof its assets and some of the investments to pay off itsoutstanding dues to lenders / vendors.
• The net worth the Group eroded and it is incurringcontinuous losses since last several years.
• In case of a subsidiary, the auditors of the saidCompany have pointed out that the Company hasobtained a one-time settlement agreement with 3 outof 4 of its external lenders and that the said Companyis in discussion with its group companies to obtainfinancial support.
The Group has earned operating income by way of hirecharges and management fees and is taking steps to rectifythe mismatch in working capital.
9. We draw attention to Note No. 19(c) of the ConsolidatedFinancial Statements relating to payment of ' 50.83 croresduring the year to two banks towards One Time Settlement(OTS) between the said banks and a step-down subsidiaryof the Holding Company.
In respect of one bank, the Holding Company has settledthe loan and paid the dues and ‘no dues certificate’ hasbeen received from the said bank. The Holding Companydoes not expect any additional liability to devolve in thisregard. In respect of the other Bank, the OTS is yet to beconcluded.
Since the step-down subsidiary is under liquidation, hencethe entire amount paid is doubtful of recovery and same hasbeen fully provided for.
10. We draw attention to Note No. 8 of the ConsolidatedFinancial Statements relating to the agreement for sale ofshares held by the Holding Company in a subsidiary. Part ofthe consideration amounting to USD 524,99,960 has beenreceived by the Holding Company during the year, and saleof shares to the extent of consideration received has beenrecognized in the books of account.
The Holding Company has filed necessary forms with theReserve Bank of India in this regard. The balance sharesare held for sale and have been disclosed accordingly.
11. As on March 31, 2025 the Group has accumulated lossesof ' 5,506.39 crore as against capital and reserves of
' 3,126.76 crore. The Group has also defaulted on severalloans and lenders have initiated recovery proceedings asmentioned in Note No.28 of the Consolidated FinancialStatements.
The Group has disposed off most of it’s assets and someof the investment in subsidiaries with a view to pay off it’soutstanding dues to lenders/ vendors. The Group’s currentliabilities exceeds its current assets as on March 31,2025.All these factors indicates that a material uncertainty existsthat may cast doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as agoing concern.
12. In case of one associate and one jointly controlled entity,share of profit / (loss) for the quarter and year ended March31,2025, has not been included in the Consolidated
During the FY 2022-23, the Indian step-down subsidiarywas admitted to Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process(CIRP) and consequently its management was taken overby Interim Resolution Professional. Hence the share ofprofit/ (loss) of associate of the step-down subsidiary andan entity jointly controlled with the step-down subsidiary isnot considered for consolidation purpose for FY 2024-25.
13. The Financial Statements of one step down subsidiary(which has been admitted to NCLT and gone into liquidation)have not been consolidated.
During the FY 2022-23, the Indian step-down subsidiarywas admitted to Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process(CIRP) and consequently its management was taken overby Interim Resolution Professional. Hence the subsidiary isnot considered for consolidation purpose for FY 2024-25.
14. In case of an associate, which ceased to be an associatew.e.f. December 26, 2024, the share of profit / (loss) of '3.51 Crore for the period April 1, 2024 to December 25,2024 , has been considered for consolidation.
The company has sold the investment in shares in theassociate company and hence, considered share of profitof an associate till December 25, 2024.
During the year under review, neither the statutory auditorsnor the secretarial auditors reported to the Audit Committeeof the Board, under section 143(12) of the Act, any instancesof fraud committed against the Company by its officers oremployees, the details of which would need to be mentionedin the Report.
The Board has appointed M/s. DMKH & Co, CharteredAccountants, as Internal Auditor of the Company to conductInternal Audit for the financial year 2024-2025. During theyear under review M/s. DMKH & Co, Chartered Accountants,Internal Auditor has submitted their Report for the saidquarters/period to the Audit Committee for its review andnecessary action.
The Board has appointed M/s. Mayank Arora & Co., PractisingCompany Secretaries, to conduct Secretarial Audit for thefinancial year 2024-2025.
Further, as per SEBI Circular dated December 31, 2024, M/s.Mayank Arora & Co., Practising Company Secretaries would beappointed as Secretarial Auditor of the Company, for a term ofFive (5) consecutive years, to hold office from the conclusionof Fifteenth (15th) AGM till the conclusion of Twentieth (20th)AGM of the Company to conduct secretarial audit from FY2026to FY2030.
The Secretarial Audit Report for the financial year ended March31, 2025 is annexed herewith marked as Annexure - B to thisReport.
The Secretarial Auditor has made following observation(s) andthe Management reply for the same is as under:
1. Pursuant to regulation 23(9) of SEBI (Listing Obligationsand Disclosure Requirement) Regulations, 2015, thecompany was required to make disclosure of related partytransactions after every six months on the date of publicationof its standalone and consolidated financial results witheffect from April 01, 2023; however the company has filedthe related party transaction details with 1 (one) day delayfor both half year ended i.e. March 31,2024, therefore thecompany has paid the relevant fine as levied by BSE andNSE within the relevant timeline and also applied for waiverof the same.
The Company has paid the relevant fine as levied by theBSE and National Stock Exchange of India Limited withinthe relevant timeline and also applied for waiver. TheBoard Members took the cognizance of the fine leviedby the exchanges and stated that more care should betaken while undertaking compliances in the future.
2. Pursuant to the provisions of section 129 of CompaniesAct, 2013, the Financial Result of one subsidiary (whichhas been admitted to NCLT and undergoing CIRP Process)have not been consolidated.
During FY 2022-23, one of Indian sub-subsidiary gotadmitted to Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process(CIRP) and management of the company took over byResolution Professional and hence the said subsidiarynot considered for consolidation purpose
The maintenance of cost records for the services rendered bythe Company is not required pursuant to Section 148(1) of theCompanies Act, 2013 read with Rule 3 of Companies (CostRecords and Audit) Rules, 2014.
The Directors state that proper systems have been devised toensure compliance with the applicable laws. Pursuant to the
provisions of Section 118 of the Act, 2013 during F.Y. 2024-2025,the Company has adhered with the applicable provisions of theSecretarial Standards (“SS-1” and “SS-2”) relating to ‘Meetingsof the Board of Directors’ and ‘General Meetings’ issued by theInstitute of Company Secretaries of India (“ICSI”) and notifiedby MCA.
APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION POLICY FORDIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
The Board of Directors on recommendation of the Nomination &Remuneration Committee has adopted a policy for appointmentof Directors, remuneration of Directors, Key ManagerialPersonnel and other employees. The brief details on the aboveare provided in Corporate Governance Report and the policyis available on the website of the Company esl.secretarial@essarshipping.co.in. The details of remuneration as requiredto be disclosed pursuant to the Companies (Appointmentand Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 areannexed as Annexure - C to this Report.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
In terms of the provisions of Section 197(12) of the CompaniesAct, 2013 read with Rules 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel)Rules, 2014, a statement showing the names and otherparticulars of the employees drawing remuneration in excessof the limits set out in the said rules together with disclosurespertaining to remuneration and other details as requiredunder Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 read withRule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remunerationof Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 are provided in theAnnexure - D to this Report.
CONTRACTS AND ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATEDPARTIES
All contracts / arrangements / transactions entered by theCompany during the financial year with related parties werein the ordinary course of business and on an arm’s lengthbasis.
The Policy on materiality of related party transactions and dealingwith related party transactions as approved by the Board maybe accessed on the Company’s website Essar Shipping Limited- Essar. The information on each of the transactions with therelated party as per the Companies Act, 2013 is provided in note27 of notes forming part of the financial statement and hence notrepeated. The disclosure required pursuant to clause (h) of sub¬Section (3) of Section 134 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 in Form AOC-2is annexed herewith as Annexure - E to this Report.
WEBLINK OF ANNUAL RETURN
The Annual Return of the Company as on 31st March, 2025 inForm MGT - 7 in accordance with Section 92(3) of the Act readwith the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules,2014, is available on the website of the Company at EssarShipping Limited - Essar.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES ORINVESTMENTS
Particulars of Loans, Guarantees and Investments coveredunder the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013are given in the notes to the financial statements.
TRANSFER OF UNPAID AND UNCLAIMED AMOUNTS TOINVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND
In accordance with the provisions of the Act and IEPF Rules, asamended from time to time, the Company is required to transferthe following to IEPF:
1. Dividend amount that remains unpaid/unclaimed for aperiod of seven (07) years; and
2. Shares on which the dividend has not been paid/claimed forseven (07) consecutive years or more.
Additionally, pursuant to Rule 3(3) of IEPF Rules, in case of termdeposits of companies, due unpaid or unclaimed interest shallbe transferred to the Fund along with the transfer of the maturedamount of such term deposits.
As on date, there are no unpaid and unclaimed amounts to betransferred to the investor education and protection fund.
SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THEREGULATORS OR COURTS
The Insolvency Petition was filed by Corporate Creditor of OGDServices Limited (OGD), a step down Subsidiary of ESL. TheCompany (OGD) is admitted under the Corporate InsolvencyResolution Process (“CIRP”) by Hon’ble National Company LawTribunal (“NCLT”), Mumbai Bench by Order dated February09, 2023. During the year the NCLT has passed an order on29th April 2024 for liquidation of the company. ESL being thecorporate Guarantor has contested the order with NCLAT Delhi.Currently the matter is sub-judice.
The Company has received Notice from Registrar of Companies,Ahmedabad (herein referred as “ROC”) dated April 11,2023 forAdjudication of penalty under Section 454 of Companies Act,2013 under u/s 197 of the Companies Act, 2013. Further, theCompany has paid an amount of ' 5,00,000/- to ROC as thepenalty was imposed on the Company and ' 1,00,000/- eachwas paid by Mr. Ranjit Singh and Mr. Rahul Bhargav who wereDirectors of the Company.
Further, the Company has also received Notice from Registrarof Companies, Ahmedabad (herein referred as “ROC”) datedJanuary 11, 2024 for Adjudication of penalty under Section454 of Companies Act, 2013 under u/s 118 of the CompaniesAct, 2013. Further, the ROC have imposed the penalty onthe Company of ' 10,50,000/- and ' 90,000/- on its officers indefault. The Penalty amount is paid by the officers in default andthe company is under process of paying the same.
During the year, the company has signed a settlement agreementwith Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) under the Vivad SeVishwas Scheme - II. As per the Scheme, the company will
receive 65% of original claim amount plus interest which wasaccounted as exceptional item in the earlier year. Irrecoverableamount of ' 66.99 crores has been charged to Profit & Lossaccount as on 31st March, 2024 as an exceptional item
The company have received interest waiver to the tune of ' 6.60crores from one of the lenders and hence same has been shownas exceptional income in Profit & Loss account and no duescertificate received from them.
During the year, the Income tax department has filed an appealwith the High Court of Bombay against the favourable orderpassed by Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) in favour of thecompany for one assessment year.
Technology Absorption
The Company has successfully implemented SAP in its financialand budget management systems. The Company has also nowimplemented various methods of automation so as to havegreater visibility and control over its assets and further improvethe turnaround time thereby increasing asset utilisation andprofitability. Planned maintenance and purchase managementsystem of all the vessels are now being integrated with SAP inorder to have uniform platform. The Company has implementeda robust Document Management System thus improving theavailability of critical information in e-mode thereby reducing theuse of paper. Ship-staff payroll system has been developed andimplemented successfully.
The details of Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo during theyear are as follows:
Foreign Exchanged Earned (including loan receipts, sale ofships, freight, charter hire earnings, interest income, etc.):' 501.36 crores
Foreign Exchanged Used (including cost of acquisition of ships,loan repayments, interest, operating expenses, etc.): '534.48crores
During the year under review, your Company neither acceptedany deposits nor there were any amounts outstanding at thebeginning of the year which were classified as ‘Deposits’ interms of Section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with theCompanies (Acceptance of Deposit) Rules, 2014 and hence therequirement for furnishing of details of deposits which are not incompliance with the Chapter V of the Companies Act, 2013 isnot applicable.
The Company has zero tolerance for sexual harassment atworkplace and has adopted a Policy on Prevention, Prohibitionand Redressal of Sexual Harassment at Workplace in line
with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women atWorkplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013and the Rules made thereunder for prevention and redressalof complaints of sexual harassment at workplace. Disclosuresin relation to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 have beenprovided in the Report on Corporate Governance.
The Company’s equity shares are actively traded on BSELimited (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited(NSEIL). The listing fees payable for the financial year 2024¬2025 is paid to BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange ofIndia Limited within due date.
The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct for Preventionof Insider Trading with a view to regulate trading in securitiesby the Directors and designated employees of the Company.The Code requires pre-clearance for dealing in the Company’sshares and prohibits the purchase or sale of Company’sshares by the Directors and the designated employees while inpossession of unpublished price sensitive information in relationto the Company and during the period when the Trading Windowis closed. The Board is responsible for implementation of theCode. All Board of Directors and the designated employees haveconfirmed compliance with the Code. The Compliance officeris entrusted with responsibility of overseeing, the compliancesprescribed in connection with prevention of Insider Trading.
To the best of our knowledge and belief, there are no proceedings,either filed by the Company or against the Company, pendingunder the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 as amended,before the National Company Law Tribunal as on March 31,2025
No disclosure or reporting is made with respect to the followingitems, as there were no transactions during FY 2024-25.
• There was no issue of equity shares with differential rightsas to dividend, voting or otherwise;
• There was no issue of equity shares (including sweat equityshares) to employees of the Company under EmployeesStock Option Scheme;
• The Company does not have any scheme or provision ofmoney for the purchase of its own shares by employees orby trustees for the benefits of employees;
• Directors of the Company have not received anyremuneration or commission from any of its subsidiaries;
• The Company has not failed to implement any corporateaction; and
• There was no revision of financial statements and/ orDirectors’ Report of the Company under Section 131 of theCompanies Act, 2013.
Your Directors express their appreciation of commendableteamwork of all employees. Your Directors express their thanksto all the offices of the Ministry of Shipping, Directorate Generalof Shipping, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, IndianNavy, Indian Coast Guard, Mercantile Marine Department, StateGovernment and Central Government, Classification societies,Oil Companies and Charterers, creditors, Banks and FinancialInstitutions for the valuable support, help and co-operationextended by them to the Company.
Your Directors also thanks its other business associates,including the Members of the Company for their continued co¬operation and support extended towards the Company.
Director Chairman
DIN: 08848625 DIN: 09299459
Date: August 13, 2025