Kamarajar Port achieves 18-metre draft, boosting India's bulk cargo capability

Kamarajar Port near Chennai has completed its ₹440 crore Capital Dredging Phase VI project, becoming India's second major port after Visakhapatnam to achieve an operational draft of 18 metres. The upgrade significantly strengthens India's bulk cargo infrastructure by enabling the port to receive fully laden Capesize vessels of up to 170,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT) without tidal restrictions.

The dredging programme deepened the approach channel, harbour basin and berth pockets, transforming the port into a "Cape Compliant" gateway for large dry bulk carriers. Larger vessel calls are expected to reduce per-tonne freight costs, improve economies of scale and shorten cargo evacuation timelines for commodities such as coal, iron ore, limestone and other bulk cargoes.

For exporters and importers, the deeper draft enhances supply chain efficiency by allowing direct calls from larger ocean-going vessels that previously required lightering or partial loading. The development is also expected to improve vessel turnaround, strengthen the competitiveness of India's east coast ports and support the country's objective of lowering logistics costs under the Maritime India Vision programme.

With increasing demand for high-capacity bulk shipping, Kamarajar Port's new capability positions it as a strategic gateway for India's growing EXIM trade while reinforcing Chennai's role as a major maritime and industrial hub.

Key facts

• ₹440 crore Capital Dredging Phase VI completed.

• Operational draft increased to 18 metres.

• Can handle fully laden Capesize vessels up to 170,000 DWT.

• Second major Indian port after Visakhapatnam to achieve an 18-metre operational draft.

• Expected benefits include lower logistics costs, higher cargo volumes and improved port competitiveness.