Chennai Port Achieves Record Container Throughput of 1.83 Mn TEUs, 20 Days Ahead of Last Year

Chennai:

Port Wings News Network:

Chennai Port has achieved an all-time high container throughput of 1.83 Million TEUs on 11 March 2026, surpassing the previous record of 1.82 Million TEUs handled during FY 2024–25. According to a media statement, the port achieved this milestone 20 days ahead of last year’s timeline.

MILESTONE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

The port continues to play a vital role in supporting the manufacturing and export ecosystem of South India. Further reinforcing its strong performance during the current financial year, Chennai Port also crossed the significant milestone of handling 50 Million Tonnes (MMT) of cargo on 12 February 2026 during FY 2025–26, achieving the mark 18 days earlier than the previous financial year, when the 50 MMT milestone was reached on 1 March 2025.

Achieving this milestone ahead of schedule, while retaining all existing services and adding six new services during the current financial year, underlines the growing confidence of trade and industry in Chennai Port’s improving operational efficiency and cargo growth.

Handling over 50 MMT of cargo for consecutive years, despite strong competition from nearby major and private ports in the region, reflects Chennai Port’s resilience, operational strength, and its ability to remain a preferred gateway for EXIM trade.

OPERATIONAL AND DIGITAL INITIATIVES

Several operational and digital initiatives have contributed to this improved performance. The operationalisation of the Parking Plaza, implementation of the “One Nation One Port One Document (ONOPD)” initiative, have significantly reduced congestion, improved transparency, enhanced operational efficiency, and facilitated greater ease of doing business for port users and trade.

S.Viswanathan, I.A.S., Chairperson of Chennai Port Authority, expressed sincere appreciation to the trade fraternity, port users, terminal operators, shipping lines, logistics stakeholders, and port employees for their continued support and collaboration in achieving this milestone.

He further stated that with sustained momentum in container handling and ongoing operational improvements, along with the addition of critical infrastructure such as the Multimodal Logistics Park (MMLP) at Mappedu and the Maduravoyal–Chennai Port elevated corridor with a dedicated cargo corridor, the port is well positioned to sustain and achieve strong growth & enhanced logistics connectivity in the coming years.

He also highlighted that the proposed mega container terminal in the Outer Harbour, envisaged with a 2 km quay length and about 90 hectares of backup area, will significantly expand Chennai Port’s container handling capabilities and play a pivotal role in transforming the port into a major container hub in the South Asian region.