Kamarajar Port Becomes India’s Second Major Port with 18-Metre Draft Capability

Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL) becomes the second port in the India to offer an 18 meter operational draft, after the successful completion of the Capital Dredging Phase VI project. It is developed with the investment of ₹440 crore, this upgraded infrastructure enables the port to handle fully laden Capesize vessels carrying up to 1,70,000 Deadweight Tonnage (DWT). This landmark is expected to reduce the logistics costs, improve cargo handling efficiency, strengthen India’s export-import (EXIM) trade.

Kamarajar Port Achieves 18-Metre Operational Draft

After the completion of Capital Dredging Phase VI, Kamrajar Port in Tamil Nadu has become India’s 2nd major port, after Visakhapatnam Port to provide an 18 meter operational draft.

Operational draft refers to the maximum depth of water available for ships to safely enter, exit, and berth at a port. A deeper draft allows the ports to accommodate much larger cargo vessels.

This upgraded infrastructure enables Kamarajar Port to receive fully loaded Capesize bulk carriers with the cargo capacities of up to 1,70,000 DWT (Deadweight Tonnage).

What Is the Capital Dredging Phase VI Project?

The Capital Dredging Phase VI project was undertaken to transform the Kamarajar Port into a Cape Compliant Port, which is capable of handling some of the world’s largest bulk cargo vessels.

The project involved the,

• Deepening the outer approach channel from 20 metres to 23 metres.
• Increasing the depth of the inner entrance channel from 19 metres to 22 metres.
• Deepening the berths to accommodate ships requiring an 18-metre draft.
• Improving the harbour basin and associated navigational areas.

The total investment for this project was approximately ₹440 crore.

What Does ‘Cape Compliant’ Mean?

A Cape Compliant Port which can accommodate Capesize vessels, among the largest dry bulk cargo ships operating worldwide.

These ships are traditionally too large to transit through the Panama or Suez Canals when it fully loaded and usually navigate around the Cape of Good Hope, giving them the name “Capesize.”

The ability to receive the Capesize vessels allows ports to transport the larger cargo volumes in a single voyage, it improving overall efficiency and reducing transportation costs.

Benefits of the 18-Metre Draft Capability

The enhanced draft capability brings the several advantages for India’s maritime sector.

Lower Logistics Costs

• Higher Cargo Handling Capacity
• Improved Global Competitiveness
• Faster Turnaround Time
• Boost to India’s Export-Import (EXIM) Trade