Chennai Port Boosts Indias Southeast Shipping Efficiency

Published: 09/29/2025
Chennai Port Indian Port India-Pakistan Route
Chennai Port (formerly Madras Port) is located on the southeastern coast of India, serving as a vital gateway connecting India to global markets. The port boasts well-developed facilities, including deep-water berths and efficient cargo handling capabilities, accommodating various commodities like petroleum, ores, and containers. Choosing Chennai Port allows you to efficiently manage the India-Pakistan route and expand your reach into India and surrounding markets. Its strategic location and robust infrastructure make it a key player in regional and international trade.
Chennai Port Boosts Indias Southeast Shipping Efficiency

For businesses seeking efficient access to India and the broader Indo-Pakistani region, Chennai Port (formerly known as Madras Port) emerges as the premier maritime solution. This strategically located port combines world-class infrastructure with operational excellence to serve global shipping needs.

Strategic Location: Southeast India's Maritime Hub

Positioned on India's southeastern coast along the Bay of Bengal (13°14'11"N, 80°19'45"E), Chennai Port serves as a vital connection point between India and key Asian markets. Its maritime proximity includes:

  • 324 nautical miles to Visakhapatnam Port
  • 775 nautical miles to Kolkata Port
  • 601 nautical miles to Colombo Port
  • 1,587 nautical miles to Singapore Port

This geographical advantage makes Chennai Port an ideal hub for both domestic Indian trade and international shipping operations across South Asia.

Port Infrastructure: Engineered for Efficiency

This artificial harbor features a northeast-southwest orientation with distinct inner and outer harbor areas. The outer harbor, protected by eastern and northern breakwaters, accommodates vessels through its northeastern entrance with three specialized deep-water berths:

  • Butterfly Oil Berth: Located west of the north-south pier with 14.02-meter depth capacity, handling 80,000 DWT tankers
  • Iron Ore Export Berth: Northern shore facility with 14.02-meter depth and 8,000-ton/hour loading capacity
  • Container Terminal: 380-meter quay with 13-meter depth, equipped with dual 35-ton gantry cranes across 18-hectare yard

The inner harbor, accessible through the outer port, features 18 multi-purpose berths across its four-walled structure with extended Jawahar Dock facilities. Additional flexibility comes from three floating buoy berths with 7.92-10.67-meter depths.

Cargo Capabilities: Comprehensive Trade Solutions

Chennai's 20+ berths handle diverse cargo streams, with petroleum imports constituting a major segment alongside coal, grain, and construction materials. Export operations primarily process iron ore, machinery, and general merchandise.

Note: The port's official designation changed from "Port of Madras" (code: INMAA) to "Port of Chennai" - a change businesses should incorporate in all documentation.

The port's advantages include:

  • Optimal shipping routes to global markets
  • Specialized infrastructure for all vessel types
  • Experienced maritime operations teams
  • Prime location for regional market access

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