The maritime trade is a dominating force in economic and regional development. It provides leverage to the connectivity of regional markets to the global economic market. Ports constitute an indispensable route to integrate the national economy with another vibrant nation. India has an affluent history of trade and investment across the sea. One such port having a soaring history for supporting the economic movements in the hinterland is the port of Chennai. Formerly known as Madras port and cited as the “Gateway to South India”, the maritime business commenced way back in 1639 on its shore. Post globalisation, a robust maritime trade network assists the meeting the unprecedented demand for exchange of finished products and raw materials within the affluent economies. Hence, the majority of the prosperous city is located in the coastal belts.

Remarkable History and Significance of Chennai Port

The port of Chennai is the third oldest port among the major ports of India. Emerged as the gateway port to the East coast of India, going strong as ever maintaining the glorious history of service to India’s maritime trade. Strategically located and well-maintained interconnected route with the major parts of the globe. Some of the highlights of the Chennai port are being followed:-

• In early 1881, the port started its official journey, handling various trade operations during the British regime.
• It is one among the major ports of India having Terminal Shunting and operating their own Railways systems inside the premise of the harbour. The railway lines expanded up to 68 km and have 8 sidings to handle large cargo vessels like food grains, dry bulk, granite, etc.
• The port of Chennai was earlier known as Madras port. When the city of Madras was officially renamed Chennai in 1996, it followed suit and was renamed as Chennai port.
• After the Tsunami in 2004, the port got shattered and permanently changed the coastlines. There was a huge loss of lives and infrastructure. It took considerable time in the reconstruction of the port and to start all its facilities.
• Chennai Port is AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certified and USPS Compliant Port. It has 24 deep drafted berths operating in all weather. First among major Indian ports that have established the Marine Pollution Management to ensure the safety and protection of marine habitat.
• On 30 August 2018, vessel MT New Diamond arrived at the port carrying 133, 719 tonnes of light crude oil. This was the first in the history of Indian ports to see berthing of VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier).
• It has signed sister port agreements with Belgium and Canada to collaborate in maritime transportation and development of port infrastructure. The deal also covers technical expertise, container terminal, tourism and cruise information among sister ports. 
• It handles approx 8 million tonnes of coal for various clients from Southern India. The port can handle 2.8 million containers in a year with two container terminals in its premises. Various future pipelines construction has been approved by the management to facilitate proper transportation of crude oil.
• Chennai port is the one among the five major ports in the country, observed by the Ministry of Shipping for the advancement of cruise terminals. It is the only port on the East Coast with a cruise terminal. 

The port of Chennai has been the engine for development in South India for centuries. Being a developing economy and efforts to foster ease of doing business with help of digital transformation, the Chennai port has ordered the implementation of various digitisation projects. India with firm determination is looking to become one among the top three economies of the world in the coming decades. Seaport is expected to play a dominant role in enhancing economic growth.