This will deliver major economic gains to regional trade while enhancing the port’s competitiveness against domestic and global peers.
Kamarajar Port Ltd (KPL) has emerged as a deep‑water port capable of handling Capesize vessels following completion of the sixth phase of its Capital Dredging project. With an operational draft of 18 metres, the port 22 km north of Chennai, can now handle vessels carrying up to 170,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT).
This Cape‑Compliant milestone makes Kamarajar Port India’s second Major Port after Visakhapatnam with an 18‑metre draft, placing it among the leading international bulk cargo ports.
“The emergence of Kamarajar Port as the country’s second Major Port with an 18‑metre draft is another milestone in creating modern, future‑ready maritime infrastructure that will power India’s economic growth and global trade,” said Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.
The project, undertaken in line with the Central Government’s vision to make Kamarajar Port ‘Cape Compliant’, involved deepening of the outer approach channel from 20 m to 23 m, the inner entrance channel from 19 m to 22 m, alongside berths to handle 18 m draft, and the harbour basin with associated navigational areas, at an investment of about ₹4.4 billion.
Commending the KPL team for delivering the strategically important project, Sonowal added, “This achievement will significantly improve cargo‑handling efficiency, reduce logistics costs, enhance ease of doing business and strengthen the port’s role as a key gateway for India’s EXIM trade.”
The enhanced draft capability will enable shipping lines to deploy larger vessels, resulting in lower freight costs through economies of scale, improved operational efficiency and increased cargo‑handling capacity. This will deliver major economic gains to regional trade while enhancing the port’s competitiveness against domestic and global peers.