Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL) is one of the fastest growing seaports in India and the first corporatized Major Port in the country, operating under the landlord Port model. From a humble beginning with a Port capacity of 12 MMTPA, it has now gained a robust growth and has a handling capacity at 58.44 MMTPA with continuing expansion through Development of State-of-the-Art New Cargo Terminals under Public Private Partnership model / Captive models with long-term development plans projecting the capacity to reach 254.52 MTPA by 2047 through strategic infrastructure expansion and development of new terminals under Public–Private Partnership and captive models.

Located on the East Coast of India about 24 km north of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, Kamarajar Port occupies approximately 2,800 acres of land along the Coromandel Coast. The port was declared a Major Port under the Indian Ports Act, 1908 in March 1999 and was incorporated as Ennore Port Limited under the Companies Act, 1956 in October 1999, later renamed Kamarajar Port Limited.

The port was originally conceived to handle thermal coal for power generation requirements, particularly to support nearby thermal power stations of Goverenment of TamilNadu. Over time, the port has expanded its scope and now handles a diverse mix of cargo including bulk, liquid, automobiles and containers, emerging as a key logistics hub for the region.

Kamarajar Port is designed as a modern artificial harbour protected by two breakwaters, with the northern breakwater measuring about 3080 m and the southern breakwater about 1070 m. The port has the potential to develop around 24 berths to handle multiple cargo categories with its existing waterfront. Its infrastructure supports all-weather, round-the-clock operations, with advanced navigational systems, large backup land, efficient logistics systems, and strong multimodal connectivity.

The first phase of construction included two coal berths designed to handle vessels up to 65,000–70,000 DWT, along with dredging of the approach channel and harbour basin, installation of navigational aids, and construction of breakwaters. The port was commissioned on 1 February 2001, and commercial operations commenced with the unloading of thermal coal on 22 June 2001. Currently, Kamarajar Port Limited is undertaking capital dredging enabling the port to accommodate capesize vessels with 18 m draft.

Aligned with the Comprehensive Master Plan 2047, KPL aims to evolve into a mega port and a major gateway for trade on the east coast of India, focusing on capacity expansion, enhanced connectivity, green port initiatives, and adoption of advanced technologies to support India’s growing maritime and logistics sector.