Under the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) initiatives issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Kamarajar Port Limited has emerged as a benchmark for modern maritime infrastructure and efficient port operations.

Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS)

Installed in 2015 with an investment of Rs. 14.10 crore, the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) utilises radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), CCTV surveillance and meteorological aids to ensure safe navigation and enhanced security for vessels up to 24 nautical miles offshore.

RFID & ANPR Gate Control System

As part of Ease of Doing Business, KPL has upgraded the Gate Control System from RFID based to RFID & ANPR based Gate Control System. This new RFID & ANPR based Gate Control System has been operational at all the gates effective from May-2025.

The new techno-features of RFID & ANPR based Gate Control System are listed below:

• Latest access technologies i.e., RFID, ANPR, Contactless fingerprint recognition & QR code for validation of Port entry/exit of Men and Vehicles.
• Vehicles are allowed speedy entry by automatic opening of the gate barrier when the fastag of the vehicle is read by the RFID reader.
• Port users are allowed access into the Port gates through flap-barrier upon successful authentication through RFID / QR code pass / touchless biometric reader.
• Provision for validating the entry of Drivers without getting down from the vehicle through RFID / QR code pass / touchless biometric reader.
• Two factor authentication for entry of vehicles through integration with FasTag and ANPR camera.
• Automatic number plate recognition to happen during vehicle entry / exit in sync with RFID access. Automatic License Plate Capturing System (ANPR) and recording with strong analytic reporting unified platform. Reading accuracy of the characters read from the number plate (English alphanumeric characters to have 98% accuracy).
• Real time Dashboard for visualization of vehicles & men entry / exit reports & status.
• The RFID & ANPR based Gate Control System was implemented at Entry/Exit of Two Wheeler Lane, Main Lane and ODC Lane of the New Gate Complex and Truck Pre-parking yard. Upon implementation of RFID & ANPR based Gate Control System at Truck Pre-Parking Yard, the Turnaround time (TAT) of container trailer movement from Truck Parking Yard to Container Terminal was reduced from 10 mins to 2 mins.
• The KPL’s Pass Issuance System is integrated with FasTAG for vehicle identification and IBTrack under NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONTAINER FREIGHT STATIONS (NACFS) for Container trailers identification.

Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC)

KPL has developed an Integrated Command & Control Center (ICCC) covering various modules. ICCC enables collation of information and collaborative monitoring, thus helping in data analysis for quicker decision making. Intelligent operations capability ensures integrated data visualisation, real-time collaboration and deep analytics that help different stakeholders prepare for exigencies, coordinate, manage response efforts, and enhance ongoing efficiency of port operations & maintenance. ICCC Platform will be the base Software/Platform on which all other software like Video Management System, Video Analytics, IoT Management System, GIS, etc. will get integrated/layered.

In Phase-1 development KPL has integrated the following Systems/Modules under ICCC:

1. Video Management – CCTV Feed
2. Security Management through Video Analytics
3. Monitoring of Electricity Distribution & Smart Street Lights
4. Monitoring of Drinking Water Distribution
5. Solid Waste Management
6. Public Addressing System
7. Disaster Management & Emergency Response
8. Drone based Survey & Mapping of Assets in GIS
9. Integration of existing Systems:
   • Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations
   • Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS)
   • Permit & Gate System

The ICCC empowers KPL with real-time data visualization, collaboration, and analytics, enabling faster response times, better resource utilization, and proactive management of port operations.

Container Tracking System (Logistics Data Bank - LDB)

The Logistics Data Bank (LDB) services are provided by M/s. NICDC Logistics Data Services Limited (NLDSL) at the Container Terminal operated by AECTPL at KPL. This system enables end-to-end tracking and monitoring of container movement, ensuring enhanced transparency, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making for all stakeholders.

LDB services offer real-time visibility of containers from port entry to exit, including their movement between the terminal and Inland Container Depots (ICDs) / Container Freight Stations (CFSs) via road (toll plazas) and rail networks.

Key Services

• Container Data Integration:
  Collection and recording of container-related data received from shipping lines and terminal operators into the LDB system.
• RFID Tagging & Tracking:
  Tagging and de-tagging of containers within the terminal premises to enable seamless tracking of movement.
• Data Synchronization:
  Integration and synchronization of RFID tag data with container details to ensure accurate, real-time updates.
• User Access & Visibility:
  Secure access for stakeholders to monitor and track container movement across the logistics chain.
• Analytics & Reporting:
  Generation of monthly, quarterly, and annual analytical reports with insights on:
  1. Dwell Time at Ports, ICDs, and CFSs
  2. Congestion, Speed, and Transit Time Analysis
  3. Performance Benchmarking
  4. Heat Map Analysis
  5. Predictive Analysis

Key Benefits

• Enhances supply chain visibility
• Identifies bottlenecks and inefficiencies
• Optimizes logistics operations
• Reduces turnaround and lead times
• Supports data-driven decision-making

Mobile X-Ray Container Scanner

As part of the “Ease of Doing Business” initiative, Major Ports are required to reduce container dwell time. Installation of Container Scanner systems is a key measure to expedite and simplify the clearance of import containers. Accordingly, KPL has installed one Mobile X-Ray Container Scanner System with an investment of Rs. 35 Crores and operational w.e.f. 01.07.2021. The Mobile X-Ray Container Scanner system is capable of scanning 22 Container per hour at normal scan speed.

Container Examination Yard

Consequent to commissioning of Container Scanner system, KPL developed a Container Examination yard at an investment of Rs. 3.10 Crores. Chennai Customs vide Public Notice No. 46/2023 dated 13.11.2023 has declared the Container Examination yard at KPL as Customs Area for commencing the operations.

Parking Yard for Container Trailers

KPL developed an exclusive Truck parking yard of size 62,500 sq.m for parking and faster clearances of Export Containers handled. The Container trailers arriving to the Port from other than the CFS without online RFID passes are permitted to enter the Truck parking yard to obtain the RFID passes which facilitates reduction in waiting time of Container trailers and avoid congestion in the Port.

TThe Customs Clearance process for Export Containers are carried out in the Truck parking yard which facilitates the entry of Export Containers to the Container Terminal without creating traffic congestion inside the Port. The Truck parking yard is also provided with an Amenity Centre for drivers.

Digital Initiatives

1. National Logistics Portal – Marine (NLP-M)

KPL has adopted the utilization of National Logistics Portal – Marine (NLP-M) as the primary platform to exchange information with the Port Users. It will facilitate real-time information of activities that are generally not in reach of the importer, exporter, customs broker and Port related transactions including vessel-related information. It also enables digital transactions for payments required for the clearance process of import and export like vessel and Cargo related charges, etc. It also includes a single window certification device to approve transactions, as well as the integration of an online payment service. All services and documents generated will be in line with global best practices and standards.

KPL’s Port Operation System (POS) is integrated with NLP-Marine through Application Programmable Interface (API) for real-time exchange of information. Accordingly, the Vessel and Cargo related exchange of documents and payments at KPL are carried out through NLP-Marine only.

2. Document Management System (DMS)

While NLP-M is a central System being utilized by all Major Ports, the other Port-specific requirements are covered under the Business Interface Portal (BIP) in order to speed up the EXIM cargoes / Vessel clearance and Trade facilitation. Some of the major initiatives covered under BIP are as follows:

The Customers / Port Users are using Business Interface Portal (BIP) for submitting documents, viewing their e-Invoices, Accounts Summary, etc.

The implementation of Document Management System in KPL’s Business Interface Portal has eased the procedure of Import/Export clearance & Gate In/Out clearance of Cargoes. These facilities are in live since Sep-2024. With regard to Vessel & craft operation clearances such as PANS, Sign ON / OFF, Cargo sample collection, PHO inspection, Repair work etc., are implemented in DMS.

The online submission forms for Import General Manifest (IGM) and Export General Manifest (EGM) have been introduced in the Business Interface Portal to simplify and expedite the clearance of EXIM cargo and cargo-related billing procedures. This initiative has completely eliminated the manual document submissions and has accelerated the cargo clearance processing time.

3. e-Port Clearance Portal

KPL developed an "e-Port Clearance Portal" for Chennai Customs. The portal enables digital submission of Port Clearance applications by stakeholders, online processing by Customs authorities, and electronic download of clearances by the Shipping Line / Agents and Port Authorities. Chennai Customs has issued Public Notice No. 07/2026 dated 22.01.2026, marking an important step towards paperless and efficient Port operations.