Cochin, India
Historic spice port blending colonial charm with Kerala's vibrant cultural heritage.
Port Overview
Cochin Port, located in Kochi, Kerala on India’s southwest coast, is one of the country’s major ports and ranks among the largest in India. Strategically positioned on the Arabian Sea, it serves as a key gateway for international trade, especially for the Middle East and Far East routes. The port features India’s first International Container Transshipment Terminal at Vallarpadam. Its annual container handling capacity is approximately 735,000 TEUs, making it a vital hub for containerized cargo and regional economic growth.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Cochin Port's primary facility is the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadam, India's first transshipment terminal operating in a Special Economic Zone. The terminal features a 600-meter quay with 14.5-meter draft, currently handling 1.4 million TEUs annually. Key equipment includes four Super-Post Panamax quay cranes, two Mobile Harbor Cranes (both twin-lift capable), 15 rubber-tyred gantry cranes, and three reach stackers. The facility offers modern container handling, bulk cargo terminals, ship repair facilities with dry docks, and warehousing. It provides exclusive rail connectivity via a 4.62-kilometer rail bridge and coastal connectivity for efficient multimodal logistics.
Container Terminals
Cochin’s International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadam has a quay length of 605 meters with 3 main berths. Its annual capacity is approximately 1.4 million TEUs. The terminal features high automation, including fully electrified yard cranes and advanced ship-to-shore cranes. DP World is the major operator, managing all container operations and ongoing infrastructure upgrades to support large vessels and sustainable, efficient cargo handling.
Port Services
The International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Cochin offers comprehensive port services including:
Container Operations: Handling up to 1.4 million TEUs annually with transshipment capabilities
Ship Services: 24/7 vessel operations with Super-Post Panamax cranes ensuring fast turnaround times
Cargo Handling: Multi-modal connectivity via rail, coastal shipping, and inland waterways
Warehousing: Co-located Economic Zone with 75,000 sq.ft. facility for storage and value-added services
Customs: Streamlined documentation center with simplified clearance procedures operating within Special Economic Zone framework
Global Connectivity
Cochin Port, located on India’s southwest coast, offers strong connectivity to major ports across India, including Gujarat and Kolkata, and serves the hinterland regions of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. It is directly linked to global shipping routes connecting Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The port’s modern transshipment terminal enables efficient cargo movement to key international markets, making it a vital gateway for both regional and global trade.
Port Statistics
Cochin Port Statistics:
- TEU Throughput: Approximately 840,564 TEUs in 2024.
- World Ranking: Not specified for Cochin, but it is a key transshipment hub.
- Number of Berths: The ICTT has a quay length of 605 meters.
- Area: Part of Cochin Port, with the ICTT being a major component.
- Shipping Lines: Connected to mainline services linking South East Asia, the Middle East, and the Far East.
