Chennai, India

Port Overview

Chennai is located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal in southern India and serves as the capital of Tamil Nadu. It ranks as India’s fourth-largest city by population and is among the largest metropolitan areas by size. Strategically, Chennai is known as the “Gateway to South India,” playing a vital role in trade, industry, and maritime logistics. The Port of Chennai is one of India’s busiest container ports, with an annual TEU capacity of approximately 1.5 million, supporting significant international and regional shipping activity.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Chennai Port features 24–27 berths across three main docks—Dr. Ambedkar, Jawahar, and Bharathi—serving containers, liquid bulk, dry bulk, and general cargo. Key terminals include two major container terminals (operated by DP World and PSA International), bulk cargo terminals, and specialized liquid cargo berths. The port is equipped with quay cranes, rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs), mobile harbour cranes, conveyor systems, and extensive warehousing. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are not currently a core feature.

Container Terminals

Chennai's container terminals feature multiple berths, with a total capacity of handling 1.5 million TEUs. Major operators include DP World and PSA Singapore. The terminals are equipped with modern cargo-handling equipment but face challenges due to high capacity utilization. Automation levels vary, with ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and reduce congestion. The terminals serve as critical hubs for trade in the region, connecting to major global markets.

Port Services

• Container handling: Modern terminals for containerized cargo, equipped with advanced cranes, on-dock rail sidings, and direct connectivity to major inland destinations.
• Cargo operations: Facilities for bulk, break-bulk, liquid, and general cargo, supporting efficient loading, unloading, and storage.
• Ship services: Berthing, pilotage, bunkering, ship repair, and vessel support.
• Warehousing: On-site and bonded warehouses, container freight stations, and storage yards for various cargo types.
• Customs: Integrated customs clearance, inspection, and documentation services for import and export cargo.

Global Connectivity

Chennai Port, located on India’s southeast coast, is a major gateway for South India, serving Tamil Nadu and the broader southern region. It offers direct shipping connectivity to over 50 global ports, linking to key markets in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The port is integrated with national rail and road networks, supporting efficient cargo movement and facilitating major shipping routes to international markets.

Port Statistics

Chennai Port handled approximately 1.66 million TEUs in the latest reported year, ranking among the top 100 container ports globally. The port features 24 berths and covers an area of about 274 hectares. Major global shipping lines, including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd, call at Chennai. The port serves as a key gateway for containerized, bulk, and automobile cargo in South India.