Kamarajar Port in India has successfully concluded its latest dredging program, achieving an operational draft of 18 meters. This significant upgrade positions it as only the second major port in India capable of accommodating fully laden Capesize vessels, which can weigh up to 170,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT).
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways announced that the Capital Dredging Phase VI project involved deepening the outer approach channel from 20 meters to 23 meters, the inner entrance channel from 19 meters to 22 meters, and the berths to support the 18-meter draft.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this development means increased capacity and efficiency for shipments to and from Kamarajar Port. The ability to handle larger Capesize vessels can lead to economies of scale, potentially reducing per-unit shipping costs for bulk commodities. It also offers greater flexibility in vessel selection and routing, especially for heavy-lift or large-volume cargo, enhancing India's maritime logistics capabilities.
