Kamarajar Port Limited achieved an 18-metre operational draft on 8 July 2026 after completion of the Capital Dredging Phase VI project costing about ₹440 crore, becoming the second Indian major port after Visakhapatnam with this capability.
Key technical changes
- Outer approach channel: deepened from 20.0 m to 23.0 m.
- Inner entrance channel: deepened from 19.0 m to 22.0 m.
- Berth drafts: increased to 18.0 m for operational use.
- Project cost: Capital Dredging Phase VI ≈ ₹440 crore.
Vessel capacity
- Capesize accommodation: can handle fully laden Capesize vessels up to 1,70,000 DWT.
- Draft thresholds: Panamax class typically ~12–14 m; Capesize class commonly requires ≥18 m when fully laden.
Port status & administration
- Port identity: Kamarajar Port Limited (formerly Ennore Port Limited).
- Organisational model: operates under a landlord port model; company of Chennai Port Authority under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Policy linkages
- Maritime India Vision 2030: national roadmap for port capacity, logistics and maritime services expansion.
- Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: long-term strategic maritime infrastructure planning framework.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Draft (definition): vertical distance from waterline to keel; operational draft = maximum permitted vessel draft at port.
- Types of dredging: capital dredging (permanent deepening) vs maintenance dredging (periodic removal of silt).
- Major ports governance: administered under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; landlord model separates port authority and terminal operators.
- Comparative fact: Visakhapatnam Port was the first Indian major port with 18-metre draft capability.