Adani Ennore Container Terminal (AECT)
About AECT
AECT is a container terminal in Tamil Nadu, India, operated by Adani Ennore Container Terminal Pvt Ltd (AECTPL). It has an installed capacity of 0.8 Million TEUs and handled 0.65 – 0.70 million TEUs in FY25.
As of January 2026, the Adani Ennore Container Terminal (AECT) has solidified its position as a major maritime gateway on the Coromandel Coast. Following a landmark partnership with the world’s largest shipping line, MSC, the terminal has evolved from a developing facility into a high-efficiency strategic hub for the South Indian market. As a partner of Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), the operating arm of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the terminal serves as the primary call for MSC’s mother vessels and regional feeders. TiL brings world-class standard operating procedures, specialised crane technology, and advanced software used globally.
TiL is also backed by major global investors, including BlackRock (through Global Infrastructure Partners) and GIC (Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund). This backing makes it easier for the terminal to fund multi-million-dollar expansions, such as the planned Phase 2 at Ennore. The AEX service collects Indian exports en route from Australia and Southeast Asia to Europe. Transit times from Ennore are approximately 18 days to Gioia Tauro, 21 days to Valencia, and 28 days to London Gateway. Direct services include the Sentosa Service and Falcon Service, linking Ennore directly to the US West Coast, North Europe, and the Middle East. Frequent calls from Maersk, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd serve Southeast Asian trade lanes (Singapore/Port Klang).
Key figures in detail
- Installed capacity: 0.8 Million TEUs (Phase 1). The concession allows for expansion up to 1.4 million TEUs
Facilities & infrastructure
- Super Post-Panamax Quay Cranes (65m outreach, 22 rows across)
- 12 Electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (e-RTGs) for eco-friendly yard operations
- Reach Stackers and Empty Handlers for versatile container movement
- Internal Transfer Vehicles (ITVs) and specialised tractor-trailers
Why shippers choose AECT
- Congestion-Free Access: Located outside the Chennai city limits, it offers 24/7 access via the Northern Port Access Road, avoiding the peak-hour traffic restrictions that affect Chennai Port
- Its 16m draft allows it to accommodate larger, more fuel-efficient vessels than the neighbouring Inner Harbour terminals
- One of the few terminals in India to utilise 100% electric RTGs, aligning with Adani’s “Net Zero” port goals for 2030
- As a TiL-partnered port, it offers “Priority Berthing” for MSC vessels, ensuring minimal waiting time for the world’s largest container fleet.
Shipping lines & services
Hinterland connectivity
Rail & road
Its “on-dock” rail siding provides a direct link to the ICD Whitefield (Bangalore), making it the preferred gateway for the Karnataka electronics and automotive belt. CONCOR and Adani Logistics operate daily “Block Trains.” These rakes enable cargo from the Bangalore and Hyderabad hinterlands to bypass Chennai’s congestion, achieving a “Port-to-ICD” transit time of under 18 hours. As of January 2026, the Northern Port Access Road has become operational, providing high-speed connectivity to the Chennai-Kolkata Highway.
CFS & warehousing
AECT is connected to all 29 CFSs in the Chennai cluster.
Throughput FY22–FY25
Units: Lakh TEUs (as reported).
Frequently asked questions
Who operates AECT?
AECT is operated by Adani Ennore Container Terminal Pvt Ltd (AECTPL).
What is the capacity of AECT?
Installed capacity is 0.8 Million TEUs. Throughput in FY25 was 0.65 – 0.70 million TEUs, or 85% utilisation.
What is the port code for AECT?
The UN/LOCODE-style port code is INENR.
Where is AECT located?
AECT is located at Vallur Post, City: Chennai, Pin Code: 600120, State: Tamil Nadu, Country: India.
How is AECT connected by rail and road?
Its “on-dock” rail siding provides a direct link to the ICD Whitefield (Bangalore), making it the preferred gateway for the Karnataka electronics and automotive belt. CONCOR and Adani Logistics operate daily “Block Trains.” These rakes enable cargo from the Bangalore and Hyderabad hinterlands to bypass Chennai’s…
Which CFS facilities serve AECT?
AECT is connected to all 29 CFSs in the Chennai cluster.
In the news
Classification
Source: South Asia Container Market Report 2026, p. 29. Last updated Jan 2026.
