Inauguration of Container Feeder Service from Chennai Port to Ponidcherry Port

Government of India has recognised the economic and environmental benefits of coastal shipping under the vision SAGARMALA and modal shift from road mode.

In this regard, it is decided to develop Pondicherry Port as Satellite Port to Chennai Port for container cargo – Exports and Imports from and to Puducherry and its hinterland extending to Cuddalore / Nagapattinam in South East, Trichy / Villupuram in South, Salem / Namakal in West.

In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding between Chennai Port and Pondicherry Port was signed on 15.03.2017.

The commercial cargo handling operations could not commence immediately due to change in weather conditions resulting in siltation at the mouth of the Pondicherry Port

In order to mitigate the siltation problem and to develop Pondicherry Port, deepening of sea mouth entrance at Pondicherry Port was undertaken and the work is completed.

The Salient features of Feeder Service between Chennai Port to Pondicherry Port are:

·         Quick direct transit to terminal at Chennai and Pondicherry Ports.

·         Pondicherry Port is Customs ICEGATE enabled with Quick Import and Export clearance facility with efficient in port warehouse containing stuffing and de-stuffing facility at Pondicherry.

·         Economical all sea route passage providing quick onward connection Chennai Port for Export and Import containers.

·         Eliminates road congestion and pollution

·         Accepts Hazchem & DG & Class C cargo in Containers

·         Accepts Reefer containers

·         Ship is with a container Crane – Geared Vessel.

·         Reduction in container transportation charges.

It is expected to increase the volume of cargo from Pondicherry and its hinterland without road congestion to Chennai Port.

The Union Territory of Puducherry will witness tremendous industrial growth in the coming years resulting in increased investment by major industries in the Union Territory.

The event was headed by Shri Sunil Paliwal IAS, Chairperson and Shri S. Balaji Arunkumar IRTS, Dy.Chairperson, Chennai Port Authority. also present - by Shri Jude and other officials of Chennai Port , DP world, and Global Logistics

Chairperson, Chennai Port Authority Flagged off Container Feeder Ship – HOPE SEVEN with the container capacity of 106 TEUs at DP World Container Terminal, Chennai Port to Pondicherry Port on 27.02.2023.