List of 13 Major Ports in India

The nation's long shoreline spanning 7,500 kilometers positions it as a vital global trade and shipping center. India's maritime ports function as vital transportation nodes for shipping merchandise to multiple locations throughout the world. This article examines the list of major ports in India and their essential function in national trade activities.

The nation operates two types of ports, with old ports in India alongside contemporary ports that support massive cargo operations. This post evaluates the list of seaports in India, starting with the dominant 13 major ports that direct the country's shipping activities.

How Many Major ports are in India?

The nation operates thirteen major ports, which receive their classification from their substantial cargo-handling capabilities. In addition to these, there are also numerous minor ports, but the number of major ports in India that serve as the key gateways for imports and exports is 13.

The majority of Indian cargo passes through these ports, which drive substantial economic development for the country. The total major ports in India span from the eastern to the western coastlines to meet diverse shipping requirements.

13 Major Ports in India

The following part contains a list of all ports in India that receive their classification from the government. Every port possesses its own particular set of facilities together with favorable geographical features and special cargo-handling capabilities.

1. Chennai Port

The southeastern coastal location of Chennai Port establishes it as one of India's longest-operating and busiest maritime terminals. The port receives diverse types of cargo, including automobiles as well as petroleum products and containerized shipments. Chennai Port functions as the essential connection that enables India to reach worldwide shipping networks.

2. Visakhapatnam Port

Visakhapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh ranks as one of India's deepest natural ports. The facility transports different bulk products, such as iron ore, together with coal and petroleum products. Visakhapatnam stands out due to its advanced facilities combined with its excellent strategic position to serve international trade needs.

3. Mumbai Port

The western Indian shipping port of Mumbai serves as the largest major shipping port in India based on volume metrics. The port receives multiple types of cargo shipments, including containers together with chemicals and oil. Through its essential trade gateway position, Mumbai Port enables international commerce while maintaining strong market connectivity to both domestic and international markets.

4. Cochin Port

Cochin Port in Kerala serves as a crucial facility for transporting bulk commodities that include coal together with fertilizers and oil. The southwest coastal position of Cochin Port makes it essential for Indian shipping operations, which primarily serve markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

5. Kandla Port

Gujarat serves as the location for Kandla Port, which functions as a vital entry point for trade between India and the Middle East, together with Europe and Africa. The facility transports crude oil together with chemicals and agricultural products, among other cargo types. Kandla Port stands as one of the fastest-growing and most essential old ports in India.

6. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port Trust

Kolkata's Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port Trust operates as one of eastern India's busiest ports. The port facility processes various bulk cargo shipments, which include iron ore alongside coal and agricultural products. The strategic position of this port enables it to reach markets across East and Southeast Asia.

7. New Mangalore Port

The Karnataka-based New Mangalore Port functions as a major port that accepts petroleum as well as chemical and container shipments. The facility maintains sophisticated facilities, which make it a vital part of international maritime transportation.

8. Paradip Port

Paradip Port serves as a major cargo hub in Odisha that focuses on carrying bulk materials, including iron ore, coal, and petroleum products. The recent years have brought substantial growth to Paradip which functions as an essential trading link between India and East Asia and the Pacific region.

9. Ennore Port

One of the major ports in India is Ennore Port serves the area near Chennai to process coal along with cargo and containerized goods. Ennore serves as a contemporary port facility which possesses superior infrastructure and operates as a leading thermal coal terminal in the region.

10. Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT)

Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) located in Navi Mumbai functions as India's biggest container port while remaining one of the busiest major ports in India map. This vital port facilitates a broad selection of containerized cargo shipments to Europe and Africa as well as Asia.

11. Port Blair

Port Blair functions as an essential maritime trade center within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The port does not match the size of mainland facilities yet provides critical connections between India and international shipping routes and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

12. Mormugao

The Mormugao Port based in Goa functions as a significant terminal for iron ore shipments as well as bulk cargo handling. The port functions as an essential gateway for iron ore export from India to Asian nations especially China.

13. Mundra Port, Gujarat

Mundra Port functions as one of India's major private sector ports which handles containers along with bulk cargo and general cargo shipments. Located in Gujarat this facility has experienced rapid expansion during recent years to become a significant major shipping ports in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the busiest port in India?

Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) located in Navi Mumbai operates as India's busiest port. It operates as India's largest container port and maintains the highest container cargo volume.

Which is the oldest port in India?

Mumbai Port functions as one of India's earliest ports which established operations during the 19th century. The port serves as a fundamental component of Indian maritime infrastructure and has maintained its essential role throughout the nation's trade history.

Which is the newest port in India?

The major port of Ennore which operates in Tamil Nadu represents a recent addition to India's major port infrastructure. The facility operates as a coal-handling terminal while utilizing contemporary port facilities.

OPCA: Enhancing Global Connectivity

The growing maritime trade of India requires professional freight companies to perform essential duties. The Overseas Project Cargo Association (OPCA) links businesses with India freight companies that possess extensive experience. Businesses can access a wide selection of shipping solutions through OPCA's extensive network that enables efficient cargo handling and port management.

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If you need expert freight forwarders in India, you can find trusted professionals through the India Freight Companies section on OPCA's website. The International Freight Forwarders List extends access to experienced partners worldwide for organizations that need broader global connections.