Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL) has achieved a major milestone with the successful completion of its Capital Dredging Phase VI Project, enabling the port to operate with an 18.0-metre draft and handle fully laden Capesize vessels of up to 170,000 DWT.
With this achievement, Kamarajar Port has become the second major port in India to attain Cape Compliant Port status, significantly enhancing its capability to accommodate larger vessels and improve cargo handling efficiency.
The capital dredging project, executed at an investment of ₹440 crore, is expected to deliver substantial operational and economic benefits. The increased draft will allow larger ships to call at the port, resulting in economies of scale, lower logistics and freight costs, faster cargo evacuation, and improved operational efficiency. The development is also expected to strengthen the port’s competitiveness in global maritime trade while providing a major boost to India’s EXIM trade.
Congratulating the port on the achievement, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, described it as another significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global maritime powerhouse under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
The enhanced infrastructure reinforces Kamarajar Port’s position as one of India’s leading deep-water ports and reflects its continued commitment to developing world-class maritime facilities capable of meeting the growing demands of international shipping.
With the completion of the Phase VI dredging project, Kamarajar Port is expected to attract more Capesize vessels, improve cargo throughput, and play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s port-led economic growth and global trade connectivity.
