Tamil Nadu: Kamarajar Port 18-metre draft has become a major milestone for India’s maritime sector. Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL) has successfully completed its Capital Dredging Phase VI project, allowing the port to handle fully loaded Capesize vessels carrying up to 1,70,000 DWT cargo. With this achievement, Kamarajar Port has become the second major port in India, after Visakhapatnam Port, to offer an 18-metre operational draft, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Kamarajar Port Reaches a Historic Milestone
The Government of India announced that the Capital Dredging Phase VI project has been completed with an investment of around ₹440 crore. The project has increased the port’s operational draft to 18 metres, making it capable of handling larger international cargo vessels more efficiently.
What Changed Under the Dredging Project
The dredging work deepened:
- Outer approach channel from 20.0 metres to 23.0 metres
- Inner entrance channel from 19.0 metres to 22.0 metres
- Berths to support 18-metre draft
- Harbour basin and navigation areas
These improvements make Kamarajar Port a Cape Compliant Port, capable of receiving fully loaded Capesize ships without cargo restrictions.
Bigger Ships Can Now Enter the Kamarajar Port
With the new draft depth, Kamarajar Port can now accommodate fully laden Capesize vessels carrying cargo parcels of up to 1,70,000 DWT. Earlier, many large ships had to reduce their cargo before entering Indian ports. The deeper channel will reduce such operational challenges and improve efficiency.
Kamarajar Port: Lower Logistics Cost for Businesses
According to the Ministry, larger vessels will help shipping companies transport more cargo in a single trip. This is expected to:
- Reduce freight costs
- Improve cargo-handling efficiency
- Lower logistics expenses
- Improve ease of doing business
- Support India’s export and import (EXIM) trade
These benefits are expected to strengthen India’s position in global maritime trade.
Government’s Vision for Maritime Growth
The Ministry said the project supports the goals of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The government aims to build world-class ports, strengthen logistics infrastructure, improve global competitiveness and establish India as a leading maritime nation.
Union Minister Highlights the Achievement
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the successful completion of the project marks another important step in India’s maritime development. He added that the deeper draft will improve cargo handling, reduce logistics costs, strengthen India’s EXIM trade and enhance the country’s global maritime competitiveness.
Economic Benefits for the Region
Officials believe the enhanced draft capability will:
- Attract larger international shipping lines
- Increase cargo-handling capacity
- Improve operational efficiency
- Boost regional economic growth
- Enhance connectivity with domestic and international ports
The project is expected to make Kamarajar Port one of India’s leading gateways for bulk cargo movement.
