Kamarajar Port has become India's second major port to offer an 18-metre draft, following completion of deepening works that enable access for larger vessels. The development is expected to allow direct calls by larger container ships and tankers, reducing the need for transhipment and improving supply chain efficiency. Port authorities said navigational channels and berths were upgraded to handle deeper draft vessels and increased traffic.

The upgrade included capital dredging, reinforcement of berth structures and installation of modern navigational aids to support safe operations at the deeper draft. Terminal handling facilities have been prepared to manage heavier lifts and larger vessel calls, while harbour masters have revised procedures to accommodate the new regime. Operators will need to align schedules and pilotage services to the revised depth limits.

Stakeholders expect the move to strengthen the port's position in regional trade corridors and to attract direct services that previously called at foreign transhipment hubs. The deeper draft will be particularly useful for bulk liquid cargo, crude and large container services, allowing higher cargo intake per vessel and lowering per unit handling costs. Local logistics providers anticipate incremental demand for storage, inland transport and value added services.

The upgrade aligns with broader national efforts to enhance port capacity and reduce freight costs for exporters and importers, supporting competitiveness across sectors. Shipping lines are assessing deployment options while authorities commit to maintenance dredging and monitoring to preserve depth. Officials indicated further phases of development will focus on connectivity improvements and terminal optimisation to sustain growth.

Port management indicated routine maintenance and environmental monitoring will accompany operations to ensure navigational safety and ecological compliance. Collaborations with rail and road agencies are planned to improve hinterland connectivity and ease cargo movement inland. Market participants said the deeper draft will gradually translate into more competitive sailing options for trade routes.