Chennai Port Handles Record 9,929 TEUs in a Day, Achieves Five-Year Post-Pandemic High

Chennai Port Authority achieved a major operational milestone on October 25, 2026, by handling 9,929 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) in a single day. This marks the Port's highest daily container throughput in more than five years since the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting improved cargo-handling efficiency, operational resilience and its continued focus on supporting international trade.

The latest figure exceeded the previous post-pandemic daily record of 9,910 TEUs, set on January 27, 2024. It also brings Chennai Port closer to its all-time daily container-handling record of 10,063 TEUs, achieved on January 28, 2017, before the pandemic.

Operational Efficiency Drives Record Performance

The achievement comes amid continuing uncertainty and disruptions across global maritime logistics. Chennai Port's focus on improving operations, facilitating trade and making better use of existing infrastructure has helped sustain cargo-handling activity despite changing conditions in the international shipping sector.

One of the key initiatives supporting the Port's performance is the introduction of an Empty Container Yard, designed to improve container management and make more efficient use of yard space. The Port has also moved forward with the digitalisation of end-to-end operations through ONOP, an initiative intended to simplify procedures and improve coordination among stakeholders.

Additionally, Chennai Port has earmarked extra space for transshipment containers affected by the West Asia crisis. The step demonstrates the Port's response to changing cargo flows and its efforts to assist shipping lines and trade partners amid regional disruptions.

Strengthening Chennai Port's Role in Global Trade

The record daily throughput highlights Chennai Port's ability to respond to changing maritime trade requirements while maintaining operational continuity. Through better infrastructure utilisation, digital initiatives and proactive trade facilitation, the Port is working to strengthen its position as a dependable gateway for containerised cargo.

The milestone also highlights the importance of close coordination between port management, terminal operators, shipping lines, logistics service providers and other stakeholders in improving productivity and ensuring efficient cargo movement.

With a continued emphasis on operational excellence and customer-focused services, Chennai Port Authority aims to expand its container-handling capabilities, improve supply-chain reliability and support India's growing international trade.

Handling 9,929 TEUs in a single day marks another step towards the Port's all-time daily record. It also reinforces the Port's focus on developing a more efficient, resilient and competitive maritime logistics ecosystem.