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Chennai Port marks 145th Port Day after record 57.90 million tonnes of cargo in 2025-26

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Chennai Port Authority celebrated its 145th Port Day on 15 October 2026, marking 145 years of service to India’s sea trade. Chairperson Sachin S Kurve told the gathering that Chennai Port handled a record 57.90 million tonnes of cargo and 1.9 million TEUs of containers in 2025-26.

Chennai Port: Officials and guests at the 145th Port Day function in Chennai
Officials and guests at the 145th Port Day function in Chennai Photo: PIB (Government of India, free to use with credit).

Chennai Port's record year

A TEU, or twenty-foot equivalent unit, is the standard measure for container traffic. Kurve described the 2025-26 figures as the port’s record performance, according to the release issued through PIB Chennai. Port Wings, a maritime news site, reported the same cargo and container numbers from the event. Cargo Connect separately reported the 57.9 million tonne throughput as a historic high for the port in 2025-26. Kurve thanked terminal operators, shipping lines, cargo owners, trade associations and other partners for their part in the result. The best-performing partners were honoured at the ceremony.

Key Facts

  • Event: 145th Port Day, 15 Oct 2026
  • Cargo in 2025-26: 57.90 million tonnes (record)
  • Containers in 2025-26: 1.9 million TEUs
  • Chairperson: Sachin S Kurve, IAS
  • Focus: hinterland links, digitalisation, green logistics

Plans for container traffic and connectivity

Kurve outlined plans to widen road and rail links to the hinterland, strengthen global shipping links, modernise port infrastructure and push digital and sustainable logistics. The special guest, C Mohan of the Galaxy International Institute of Logistics, spoke about Chennai Port’s role as a gateway to South India, how it has changed over the years and its continued service to the trade and maritime community. Port Wings carried the same speakers and figures as the official release. Chief Engineer K Ravikumar, in his welcome address, described the port’s growth into a major trade hub, Port Wings reported. Traffic Manager S Kirupanandaswamy closed the event by stressing cooperation between the port and its users. Chief Vigilance Officer P Anugraha, Secretary C Thara Sugirtha and Financial Adviser Malla Srinivasa Rao also attended. The release did not give a cargo target for the current year.

Why the Port Day matters

The Port Day marked 145 years of the port’s service to the nation and its contribution to India’s maritime trade and economic growth, the release said. It added that the port has reaffirmed its commitment to operational excellence, easier trade and sustainable logistics in line with India’s maritime vision and the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. Kurve’s plans for hinterland links and digital logistics are aimed at moving cargo faster between the port and the businesses that use it. Reaching 145 years means the port has been serving traders since 1881. The port did not announce new projects or investment figures at the event. Those are usually set out in its annual plans and in ministry announcements. Taken together, the speeches marked 145 years of the port as a working gateway for trade in South India.

Why It Matters: Higher cargo and container volumes at Chennai mean shorter waits and lower freight costs for exporters and importers in South India.

Also on TrendDesh: India Brunei trade talks: third Joint Trade Committee targets farm exports, pharma and energy · Bhilai Steel Plant replaces 129-tonne converter hood at SMS-3 without an overhead crane

Source: PIB Chennai · Port Wings · Cargo Connect

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