UN/LOCODE: INMAA📍 India

Port of Chennai (ex Madras) (UN/LOCODE INMAA)

❖ Coordinates: 13.0800°N, 80.2800°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Calcutta

❖ UN/LOCODE: INMAA

## About the Port The Chennai Port, formerly known as the Madras Port, is a major maritime gateway located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. With a UN/LOCODE of INMAA, it is one of the oldest and most significant ports in India, serving as a critical hub for international trade and commerce. Strategically situated at 13.08 latitude and 80.28 longitude, the port operates in the Asia/Calcutta timezone, facilitating seamless communication and coordination with global partners. The Chennai Port is managed by the Chennai Port Trust, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India. As a major container handling facility, it is equipped to handle a wide range of cargo, including containerized, breakbulk, and project cargo. According to the Indian Ports Association↗, the Chennai Port is one of the busiest ports in India, with a strong focus on providing efficient and reliable services to its customers. ### Port Operations The port's operations are supported by a team of experienced professionals, including pilots, harbor masters, and terminal operators. The port is also equipped with modern navigation aids, including GPS, radar, and electronic chart display systems, ensuring safe and efficient navigation for vessels. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the Chennai Port has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint, including the use of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient equipment. ## History The Chennai Port has a rich and storied history, dating back to the 13th century. Originally known as the Madras Port, it was established by the British East India Company in 1639. Over the centuries, the port has undergone significant transformations, with major expansions and modernizations taking place during the 19th and 20th centuries. The port's name was officially changed to Chennai Port in 1996, reflecting the city's name change from Madras to Chennai. Throughout its history, the Chennai Port has played a critical role in India's maritime trade, serving as a major hub for the export of goods such as textiles, spices, and tea. The port's strategic location on the Bay of Bengal has also made it an important stopover for international trade routes, with vessels calling from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. For more information on the history of Indian ports, visit the Official Website of the Ministry of Shipping↗. ## Infrastructure & Facilities The Chennai Port is equipped with a range of modern infrastructure and facilities, designed to support efficient and safe cargo handling operations. The port has a total of 26 berths, including 8 container berths, 7 bulk cargo berths, and 11 general cargo berths. The port's container terminal is equipped with state-of-the-art handling equipment, including container cranes, reach stackers, and forklifts. In addition to its berthing facilities, the Chennai Port also has a range of support infrastructure, including warehouses, storage yards, and cargo handling equipment. The port is also connected to the Indian Railways network, providing a seamless and efficient link to the country's hinterland. The port's customs clearance facilities are also highly efficient, with a range of services available to support the speedy clearance of cargo. ### Facilities for Specialized Cargo The Chennai Port has specialized facilities for handling a range of cargo, including project cargo, heavy lift cargo, and refrigerated cargo. The port's project cargo handling facility is equipped with heavy lift cranes and specialized handling equipment, capable of handling oversized and heavy cargo. The port's refrigerated cargo facility is designed to handle perishable cargo, with a range of temperature-controlled storage options available. ## Economic Importance The Chennai Port is a critical component of India's maritime economy, playing a major role in the country's international trade. The port handles a significant proportion of India's containerized cargo, as well as a range of bulk and breakbulk cargo. The port's economic importance extends beyond its role as a cargo handling facility, with a range of associated industries and services also contributing to the local economy. The Chennai Port is also a major employment generator, with thousands of people employed directly and indirectly in port-related activities. The port's economic impact is also felt beyond the local region, with its activities contributing to India's national economy. According to a study by the Indian Ports Association, the Chennai Port generates significant revenue for the government, with a substantial portion of its revenue coming from container handling and other cargo-related activities. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo The Chennai Port is strategically located on the Bay of Bengal, providing access to a range of major trade routes. The port is a key hub for trade with Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, with a range of shipping lines and services operating from the port. The port's major cargo includes containerized cargo, with a range of imports and exports passing through the facility. The port's cargo mix is diverse, with major commodities including textiles, leather goods, and engineering products. The port is also a significant handler of project cargo, including wind turbines, heavy machinery, and other oversized equipment. The port's trade routes and cargo mix are influenced by a range of factors, including global demand, trade agreements, and government policies. As a major maritime gateway, the Chennai Port plays a critical role in facilitating India's international trade, and its activities have a significant impact on the country's economy.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

INMAA

Country

India

Province / Region

Tamil Nadu

Latitude

13.080000

Longitude

80.280000

Timezone

Asia/Calcutta

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Chennai (ex Madras)?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Chennai (ex Madras) is INMAA.

Where is Port of Chennai (ex Madras) located?

The Port of Chennai (ex Madras) is located in India, Tamil Nadu. Its coordinates are 13.0800°N, 80.2800°E.

What time zone is Port of Chennai (ex Madras) in?

Port of Chennai (ex Madras) 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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