Chennai Port Unveils Rs 17,500-Crore Outer Harbour Project on 80th Independence Day

Chennai:

Port Wings News Network:

Chennai Port Authority on 15 August 2026 announced its most ambitious infrastructure initiative, a ₹17,500-crore Outer Harbour Project, as it celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day at Babu Jagjeevan Ram Sports Complex, located in the Tondiarpet Housing Colony.

While addressing the gathering, Sachin S. Kurve, I.A.S., Chairperson, Chennai Port Authority, announced that the project aims to transform the port into a premier deep-draft container hub on India’s East Coast capable of handling ultra-large vessels of up to 24,000 TEUs.

The Outer Harbour Project will significantly enhance the port’s capacity and competitiveness in global trade, the Chairperson said, describing it as a landmark step towards strengthening India’s maritime sector.

The Chairperson noted that India’s maritime sector remains at the forefront of the country’s economic transformation, with national initiatives such as Maritime India Vision 2030, PM Gati Shakti, Sagarmala and Viksit Bharat @2047 redefining the country’s logistics landscape, and reaffirmed Chennai Port’s role as one of India’s oldest and most trusted gateway ports.

“Port handled 57.90 MMT of cargo”

The Chairperson announced that Chennai Port had successfully handled 57.90 MMT of cargo, representing a 5.4% year-on-year growth and surpassing the Ministry-assigned target of 57.8 Million Tonnes. It was highlighted that container throughput had reached an all-time high of over 19.4 lakh TEUs, marking a 6.7% increase despite intense competition from neighbouring ports.

Furthermore, the Chairperson stated that automobile handling had crossed two lakh cars with a 7.4% growth, while crude petroleum handling had reached a record 11.45 Million Tonnes.

Proudly sharing that Chennai Port has recorded the best year-on-year improvement among all Major Ports in India, with overall vessel turnaround times improving by 8.2%, container vessel turnaround times by 13.4%, the Chairperson announced a 20% rise in overall productivity.

“Port achieved historic financial milestones”

Elaborating on the Port’s fiscal excellence, the Chairperson announced that the Port achieved historic financial milestones, recording an Operating Income of Rs. 1,185.02 crore, an Operating Surplus of Rs. 530.99 crore, and a 22-year high Net Surplus before Tax of Rs. 433.71 crore, securing an Operating Ratio of 55.19%.

Additionally, it was noted that the Port strengthened its welfare commitments by contributing Rs. 76.50 crore and Rs. 23.50 crore to the Pension and Gratuity Funds. The implementation of Method II Pension and extended Category II benefits to include vulnerable and diverse dependents, such as unmarried, widowed, divorced daughters, and transgender dependents, was also announced.

Port’s role in the recent global challenges

Addressing the Port’s role in the recent global challenges causing trade disruptions, the Chairperson highlighted the geopolitical developments in West Asia disrupting international shipping routes and delayed vessel calls carrying crude oil, petroleum products and bulk cargo this year.

The Port’s personnel ensured uninterrupted supply of fuel to tugs, launches and diesel locomotives throughout the crisis, keeping operations running without interruption. The Port allocated dedicated yard space for Middle East-bound trans-shipment cargo and offered a waiver of demurrage to help retain trade.

18.72 MILLION TONNES OF CARGO BETWEEN APRIL AND JULY 2026

Despite these headwinds, the Port handled 18.72 Million Tonnes of cargo between April and July 2026, demonstrating the resilience of its infrastructure, workforce and stakeholder ecosystem.

The Chairperson highlighted the diverse initiatives undertaken by the Port under its mission of excellence over compliance, mentioning 100% compliance under the One Nation One Document framework and 90% compliance under One Nation One Port Process, supported by online berth planning, RFID-based gate automation and contactless, paperless Harbour Entry Pass processing.

The new Port Trade Facilitation Cell serves as a single coordination platform bringing together Customs, shipping lines, terminal operators and logistics partners. These ventures will draw in continued and fruitful engagement with the business partners of Chennai Port Authority, ensuring a steady growth in cargo handling.

RECORD 13,760 SAPLINGS PLANTED

As an institution committed to sustainability, the Port also reported a record 13,760 saplings planted across the premises in the last 4 years, taking the green cover to 14%, with fully operational effluent treatments and biogas plants.

FUTURE ROADMAP OF THE PORT

Elaborating on the future roadmap of the Port, the Chairperson said that “Multi-Modal Logistics Park at Mappedu (₹1,423.50 crore) is expected to be launched in August 2026, while the Chennai Port–Maduravoyal elevated road (₹5,510 crore) is targeted for completion by November 2027.”

Ambitious ventures like the Outer Harbour Project, multi-level car parking and mechanisation of coastal berths, are also being planned to significantly strengthen the Port’s profile, he added.

CASH AWARDS TO MERITORIOUS STUDENTS, CISF PERSONNEL

During the event, Chairperson presented Laptops & Cash awards to the toppers of 10th & 12th Classes of ChPDET School. He also handed over cash awards to CISF personnel.

In his concluding note, the Chairperson thanked the Port’s officers, employees, terminal operators, Customs, railways, shipping lines, logistics partners and the wider trade community for their contribution to the year’s achievements, and called for a renewed commitment to innovation, integrity, sustainability and service, building a smarter, greener, more efficient and globally competitive Chennai Port in line with India’s vision of becoming a leading maritime nation and a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Besides Board members, Heads of the Departments, Trade Union Leaders, Port Users, Officers & Staff of Chennai Port Authority and Teachers & Students of Chennai Port School, Anugraha P., IAS, Chief Vigilance Officer, Chennai Port Authority, participated in the celebrations.