New Delhi, July 7 (IANS) Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL) in Tamil Nadu has emerged as a deep-water port capable of handling Capesize vessels, with the successful completion of its Capital Dredging Phase VI project, and has now become the country’s second major port, after Visakhapatnam, to offer an operational draft of 18 metres which can accommodate vessels carrying cargo parcels of up to 1,70,000 DWT, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.
The dredging project, taken up in line with the vision of the Centre to make Kamarajar Port ‘Cape Compliant’, involved deepening of the outer approach channel from 20.0 m to 23.0 m, the inner entrance channel from 19.0 m to 22.0 m, alongside berths to handle 18m draft and the harbour basin along with associated navigational areas, at an investment of about Rs 440 crore.
Kamarajar Port (formerly known as Ennore Port) is located in Tamil Nadu’s Ennore on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal. It is positioned roughly 18 to 24 km north of the main Chennai Port.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said: “The successful completion of Capital Dredging Phase VI has transformed Kamarajar Port into a deep-draft, Cape Compliant port capable of handling fully laden Capesize vessels of up to 1,70,000 DWT. 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. I congratulate the entire team of Kamarajar Port Limited for delivering this strategically important project, which further reinforces India’s march towards becoming a global maritime powerhouse.”
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-a-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.
Sonowal said: “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s maritime sector is undergoing a historic transformation. Guided by the vision of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, we are building world-class ports, strengthening logistics, enhancing global competitiveness and positioning India as a leading maritime nation.”
The Kamarajar 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, he added.
(IANS)
