Kakinada Container Terminal (KCT)
About KCT
KCT is a container terminal in Andhra Pradesh, India, operated by Kakinada Container Terminal Private Limited. It has an installed capacity of 200,000 TEUs per annum and handled 0.08 Million TEUs in FY25.
As of January 2026, the Kakinada Container Terminal (KCT), managed by Kakinada Container Terminal Private Limited (KCTPL), has established itself as the strategic container gateway for the “Rice Bowl” of Andhra Pradesh. Located within the Kakinada Deep Water Port (KDWP), it bridges the logistical gap between the industrial hubs of the Godavari districts and global markets. The terminal is situated at Berth No. 7 of the Kakinada Deep Water Port in East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh. It is an all-weather, deep-water facility. It is operated by KCTPL, a joint venture spearheaded by Kakinada Seaports Ltd (KSPL) and Bothra Shipping Services. The partnership leverages KSPL’s local port infrastructure and Bothra Group’s extensive experience in logistics and bulk handling. While its volumes are lower than those of nearby Vizag, KCT has carved out a niche in specialised agricultural exports, particularly bagged rice and sugar. It serves as a dedicated gateway for regional exports to West Africa, South Africa, and the Middle East. KCT operates primarily as a feeder-heavy terminal, connecting to major transhipment hubs. Regular feeder links connect Kakinada to Colombo and Visakhapatnam. Major lines, including MSC, Maersk, and TCI Surya, utilise the terminal. Key services link the terminal to West Africa (for rice), the Middle East (Jebel Ali), and Southeast Asia (Yangon).
Facilities & infrastructure
- A dedicated 300-metre berth with a draft of 13.0 to 14.0 metres, capable of handling Panamax vessels
- 8 hectares of paved container yard
- 100+ reefer plug points, essential for the region’s large-scale shrimp and aqua-product exports
- Dedicated zones for “Bag-to-Container” stuffing of rice and sugar
- In 2025-2026, KCTPL upgraded its digital ecosystem. The terminal uses an Integrated Terminal Operations Management System that digitises marine, billing, and logistics operations
- Fully integrated with the ICEGATE (Customs) portal to facilitate e-Form 13 and automated gate passes
- Provides real-time container tracking, automated “Last Free Day” (LFD) alerts, and dwell time metrics for shippers
Why shippers choose KCT
- Specifically optimised for “Bagged Cargo” containerisation (Rice and Sugar), which is the primary economy of the Godavari hinterland
- Located at the heart of India’s shrimp farming belt, offering the lowest “farm-to-port” transit time for frozen seafood
- Offers a 40% faster truck turnaround time (TAT) than larger, more congested neighbouring ports
- Capable of handling fully laden Panamax vessels, allowing carriers to use larger ships on regional feeder loops
- Ample Space, 25 to 90 acres, allowing yard storage for heavy ODC (Over-Dimensional Cargo) and project machinery
Shipping lines & services
Hinterland connectivity
Rail & road
CONCOR operates as the primary rail partner through its Kakinada Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP). It runs “Rice Specials”—dedicated container rakes that move rice from inland mills directly to the terminal for export. Firms like Bothra Logistics and TCI provide door-to-door multimodal solutions, utilising the port’s on-dock rail siding to bypass road congestion.
CFS & warehousing
The terminal is served by 3 major Container Freight Stations, including the newly inaugurated Sravan Shipping CFS (May 2025), which added capacity for 3,000 containers.
Throughput FY22–FY25
Units: Lakh TEUs (as reported).
Frequently asked questions
Who operates KCT?
KCT is operated by Kakinada Container Terminal Private Limited.
What is the capacity of KCT?
Installed capacity is 200,000 TEUs per annum. Throughput in FY25 was 0.08 Million TEUs, or 40% utilisation.
What is the port code for KCT?
The UN/LOCODE-style port code is INKAK.
Where is KCT located?
KCT is located at Kakinada Deep Water Port, Beach Road, Kakinada- 533 007.
How is KCT connected by rail and road?
CONCOR operates as the primary rail partner through its Kakinada Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP). It runs “Rice Specials”—dedicated container rakes that move rice from inland mills directly to the terminal for export.
Which CFS facilities serve KCT?
The terminal is served by 3 major Container Freight Stations, including the newly inaugurated Sravan Shipping CFS (May 2025), which added capacity for 3,000 containers.
In the news
Classification
Source: South Asia Container Market Report 2026, p. 48. Last updated Jan 2026.
