The Gondalias started chandling in 1979 – supplying fresh veggies, fruits and meat to ships in transit. Over the years, ‘Shipchan’ expanded to include over 1,300 items – from antipiracy equipment to safety tools, kitchen stores and packaging material. The company also offers ship repair solutions and fumigation services. “We’ll keep expanding services. There’s lot to be done in shipping,” says Karan, son of Shipchan founder Harish Gondalia. Most ship captains prefer to source fruits, vegetables, liquor and cigarettes from India and the orders can be as large as 20,000 cigarette sticks for a mid-sized ship. Beer and whisky stocks are also replenished at Indian ports.