Kamarajar port becomes India’s 2nd major port to offer 18-metre draft

A ship recently docked at the Kamarajar port in North Chennai

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Kamarajar port in North Chennai has become Indian’s second major port after Visakhapatnam to offer a draft of 18 metres.It has now emerged as a deep-water port capable of handling Capesize vessels, with the successful completion of its Capital Dredging Phase VI project. With an operational draft of 18 m the port can now accommodate vessels carrying cargo parcels of up to 1,70,000 DWT, says a release.The project costing ₹440 crore 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 along with associated navigational areas, the release said.“The emergence of Kamarajar Port as the country’s second Major Port with an 18-metre draft is another milestone in this journey of 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.This 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 minister said.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. It will provide significant economic benefits to the trade of the region, strengthen the Port’s competitiveness vis-à-vis domestic and international ports, and support the growing requirements of India’s EXIM trade. The Cape Compliant depth places Kamarajar Port in the league of international ports in bulk cargo handling, the release said.Published on July 7, 2026