Adani Kattupalli Port (AKP)
About AKP
AKP is a port in Tamil Nadu, India, operated by APSEZ. It has an installed capacity of 1.2 million TEUs and handled 0.85 million TEUs in FY25.
The Adani Kattupalli Port Private Limited (AKPPL) is a modern deepwater port in the Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, approximately 35 km north of Chennai. Originally developed as a shipyard-cumcaptive port, it was acquired by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) and has since become a critical multipurpose gateway for South India’s automotive and industrial clusters. Following its 2018 acquisition of Kattupalli from Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Adani has integrated it into its string of ports along the eastern coast. There is no major joint venture for terminal management, allowing APSEZ to implement its standardised, high-efficiency operational model independently. It is increasingly used as a spillover and efficiencydriven alternative to the congested Chennai Port. The port also handles a significant volume of non-containerised cargo, recently setting a record by handling 35,000 MT of soda ash in 2025. Kattupalli is a key call for major global alliances, including the 2M Alliance (Maersk, MSC) and the Ocean Alliance (CMA CGM, COSCO). Weekly services connect Kattupalli directly to the Far East (China, Korea), South East Asia (Singapore, Port Klang), and the Middle East (Jebel Ali). In January 2026, APEX and Glottis Ltd launched a new fortnightly Glottis Service to enhance regional connectivity with key Asian markets.
Facilities & infrastructure
- 3 operational berths with a total length of 1,007 metres and a deep draft of 16 metres
- A vast yard area, including a dedicated Direct Port Delivery (DPD) warehouse
- Dedicated Ro-Ro infrastructure for the automotive industry, capable of handling large car carriers
- The on-dock rail siding allows rapid evacuation of containers directly from the berth to the railcar, bypassing road congestion
- Its 16-metre draft allows the berthing of ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) that cannot call at older, shallower ports in the region
- As of January 2026, AKPPL operates as a “Smart Port.” It utilises high-end Terms of Service to manage vessel planning, yard stacking, and gate operations
Why shippers choose AKP
- Congestion-Free Access: Located outside the Chennai city limits, it offers 24/7 access via a congestion-free approach road, avoiding the “no-entry” hours that affect Chennai Port
- For the first time in Indian port history, it has utilised breakwater rock areas for on-grid solar power generation, significantly lowering its carbon footprint
- Sub-30-minute truck turnaround times and automated gate complexes ensure some of the fastest evacuation rates in South India
- Over 60% of the regional CFSs and empty container yards are located in the immediate vicinity of the port
Shipping lines & services
Hinterland connectivity
Rail & road
The port is connected to major Inland Container Depots (ICDs) in the hinterland, including Tondiarpet, Irugur, and Whitefield. CONCOR and private train operators, such as Adani Logistics and Gateway Rail provides the port’s critical link to the deep hinterland. CONCOR primarily handles the movement of EXIM boxes to the Bengaluru and Coimbatore industrial belts.
CFS & warehousing
An on-dock CFS (Container Freight Station) offering integrated value-added services Kattupalli serves a robust network of over 30 CFSs across the Chennai-Ennore-Kattupalli cluster.
Throughput FY22–FY25
Units: Lakh TEUs (as reported).
Frequently asked questions
Who operates AKP?
AKP is operated by APSEZ.
What is the capacity of AKP?
Installed capacity is 1.2 million TEUs. Throughput in FY25 was 0.85 million TEUs, or 71% utilisation.
What is the port code for AKP?
The UN/LOCODE-style port code is INKAT.
Where is AKP located?
AKP is located at Kattupalli Village, Ponneri Taluk, Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu - 600120.
How is AKP connected by rail and road?
The port is connected to major Inland Container Depots (ICDs) in the hinterland, including Tondiarpet, Irugur, and Whitefield. CONCOR and private train operators, such as Adani Logistics and Gateway Rail provides the port’s critical link to the deep hinterland.
Which CFS facilities serve AKP?
An on-dock CFS (Container Freight Station) offering integrated value-added services Kattupalli serves a robust network of over 30 CFSs across the Chennai-Ennore-Kattupalli cluster.
In the news
Classification
Source: South Asia Container Market Report 2026, p. 33. Last updated Jan 2026.
