CHENNAI : Chennai Port Authority has achieved a significant operational milestone by handling 9,929 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) in a single day on October 25, 2026, recording its highest daily container throughput in more than five years since the COVID-19 pandemic. The achievement highlights the Port’s operational resilience, improved cargo-handling efficiency and continued commitment to facilitating international trade.
The latest performance surpassed the previous post-pandemic daily record of 9,910 TEUs, achieved on January 27, 2024, bringing Chennai Port closer to its all-time daily container-handling record of 10,063 TEUs, established on January 28, 2017, before the pandemic.
Operational Efficiency Drives Record Performance
The achievement comes at a time when global maritime logistics continues to face uncertainty and disruptions. Chennai Port’s sustained focus on operational improvements, trade facilitation and efficient utilisation of port infrastructure has helped maintain cargo-handling momentum despite the evolving challenges in the international shipping environment.
Among the key initiatives supporting the Port’s operational performance is the operationalisation of an Empty Container Yard, which helps improve container management and yard utilisation. The Port has also advanced the digitalisation of end-to-end port processes through ONOP, aimed at streamlining procedures and facilitating smoother coordination among stakeholders.
In addition, Chennai Port has earmarked additional space for transshipment containers affected by the West Asia crisis. This measure reflects the Port’s responsiveness to changing cargo movements and its efforts to support shipping lines and trade stakeholders amid regional disruptions.
Strengthening Chennai Port’s Role in Global Trade
The record daily throughput demonstrates Chennai Port’s ability to adapt to changing maritime trade dynamics while maintaining operational continuity. By combining infrastructure utilisation, digital initiatives and proactive trade facilitation measures, the Port continues to strengthen its position as a reliable gateway for containerised cargo.
The milestone also underscores the importance of coordinated efforts among port management, terminal operators, shipping lines, logistics service providers and other stakeholders in achieving higher productivity and efficient cargo movement.
With its continued focus on operational excellence and customer-oriented services, Chennai Port Authority remains committed to enhancing its container-handling capabilities, strengthening supply-chain reliability and supporting India’s growing international trade.
The achievement of 9,929 TEUs in a single day marks another important step towards surpassing the Port’s all-time daily record and reinforces its determination to build a more efficient, resilient and competitive maritime logistics ecosystem.
