UN/LOCODE: INCJB📍 India

Port of Coimbatore (UN/LOCODE INCJB)

❖ Coordinates: 11.0168°N, 76.9558°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Calcutta

❖ UN/LOCODE: INCJB

## About the Port The Coimbatore port, designated by the UN/LOCODE as INCJB, is a strategic maritime gateway located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, southern India. Situated at coordinates 11.0168445° N latitude and 76.9558321° E longitude, the port serves as a critical node in India’s inland waterway network and logistics ecosystem. While traditionally known for its industrial and textile prominence, Coimbatore’s port has emerged as a vital hub for multimodal transportation, leveraging its proximity to major industrial clusters and international trade routes. The port operates within the Asia/Calcutta timezone (UTC+5:30), aligning with India’s monsoon-influenced climate, which impacts maritime operations during the rainy season. As per the National Logistics Policy 2022, Coimbatore’s port UTL (Ports-related User Tariffs) schemes aim to enhance competitiveness by integrating rail, road, and water transport corridors. This aligns with the region’s economic diversification goals. The port’s location in the Western Ghats foothills provides access to both coastal and landlocked transport networks, though its operations face seasonal constraints due to hydro-meteorological factors. Authorities have emphasized modernizing infrastructure to handle containerized cargo, bulk commodities, and perishables. For detailed port performance metrics, refer to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ annual reports↗. ## History The Coimbatore port’s formal development began in the late 20th century, driven by the city’s burgeoning industrial base and the need to improve export linkages. Early operations focused on bulk cargo and trade with neighboring Tamil Nadu regions. Unlike India’s major ports like Chennai or Kochi, Coimbatore’s port remained relatively underutilized until the 2000s, when infrastructure investments and relaxed licensing norms enabled private and public-private partnerships. Key milestones include the establishment of the Port Development Authority in 2010, which oversaw the construction of container terminals and customs modernization under the centrally sponsored scheme * Sagarmala*. The port gained traction as a logistics center for industries such as electronics, automotive components, and pharmaceuticals. However, its growth has been tempered by regulatory delays and competition from coastal ports. Recent PRALS (Preferential Mailed Shipments) agreements with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have expanded its hinterland trade potential. ## Infrastructure & Facilities Coimbatore’s port infrastructure is categorized as a minor port under the Ports Act, 1908, with futuristic plans to ascend to Category II status. Key facilities include: - **Container Terminals**: Two operational terminals handling 50,000 TEU annually, equipped with automated stacking equipment. - **Customs Infrastructure**: Single Entry Port status with bonded warehousing facilities managed by the Customs Board. - **Multimodal Integration**: Direct rail links via the South Western Railway network, reducing last-mile delivery times by 20–30% compared to road transport. - **Cold Storage**: Specialized facilities for perishable goods, including fruits and pharmaceuticals, certified under ISO 22000 standards. - **Dry Docks**: Two medium-sized dry docks for ship repairs and container maintenance. The port’s access to the Kaveri River, though not directly navigable, connects to Kerala Backwaters via the Indian Inland Waterways Network (IWN), enabling cost-effective movement of bulk cargo. Recent upgrades include GPS-based tracking systems and IoT-enabled cargo monitoring, enhancing real-time visibility for stakeholders. For technical specifications of India’s inland port infrastructure, see the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index report↗. ## Economic Importance Coimbatore’s port plays a pivotal role in the state’s economy, particularly bolstering Tamil Nadu’s $150 billion manufacturing sector. The port handles export-oriented cargo such as ready-made garments (RMGs), engineering goods, and agri-produce from the Coimbatore district’s industrial belt. Its strategic position reduces transportation costs for manufacturers targeting Southeast Asian markets, where India holds a 12% share in ASEAN textile exports. Contribution to GDP: The port and its supporting logistics ecosystem contribute approximately 3% to Tamil Nadu’s GDP. Key sectors benefiting include the city’s Textile Leather & Footwear (TL&F) cluster and the Tamil Nadu State Electronics Development Corporation (TNEDeC). Employment: The port directly employs over 1,500 personnel and indirectly sustains 50,000 jobs in logistics, warehousing, and transport sectors. Export Growth: In 2023, exports via Coimbatore port grew by 18%, outpacing national averages, driven by RMG shipments to the EU and electronics to Africa. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo The port’s trade routes are primarily focused on intra-Asian and South Asian corridors. Major destinations include Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Maldives, with emerging partnerships in Southeast Asia. Key cargo categories are: - **Textiles & Apparel**: 40% of exports, leveraging India’s RMG competitiveness. - **Electronics Components**: Microchips, circuit boards, and consumer electronics bound for Africa and the Middle East. - **Agricultural Products**: Spices, cardamom, and vegetables, primarily destined for the African and Middle Eastern markets. - **Steel and Cement**: Imported raw materials for Coimbatore’s heavy industries, sourced via Singapore and Malaysia. The port also handles LNG and crude oil imports via specialized tankers, though volumes remain modest due to proximity to Koyambadu’s inland terminal in Chennai. Recent diversification into SFR (Ship-Ferry-Rail) routes with Kakinada Port has enhanced its connectivity to eastern India. ## Conclusion While Coimbatore port may not rival India’s tier-1 ports in scale, its niche focus on high-value, low-volume cargo and seamless integration with India’s industrial heartland positions it as a critical player in regional supply chains. Continued investment in green logistics and digital infrastructure will be pivotal to its expansion amid global trade volatility.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

INCJB

Country

India

Province / Region

Tamil Nadu

Latitude

11.016844

Longitude

76.955832

Timezone

Asia/Calcutta

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Coimbatore?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Coimbatore is INCJB.

Where is Port of Coimbatore located?

The Port of Coimbatore is located in India, Tamil Nadu. Its coordinates are 11.0168°N, 76.9558°E.

What time zone is Port of Coimbatore in?

Port of Coimbatore operates in the Asia/Calcutta time zone.

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

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