In what could mark the start of intense competition among four container terminals located across three ports (Chennai, Kamarajar and Kattupalli) within a distance of 30 km near Chennai, container vessel Leonidio of the global shipping line Maersk berthed, for the first time, at the Adani Ennore Container Terminal (AECT) inside the Kamarajar port in Ennore on Saturday (Oct. 20).
It also marks a complete shift in operations by Maersk – the world’s largest shipping line – to Ennore from Chennai where its container ships have been calling since 2003.
Shift in operations
“As global trade increases, so does the congestion at existing ports. There comes a point when moving to a new port becomes inevitable. Which is why we are shifting operations from Chennai to Ennore. And, we are doing it before anyone else,” said a communication from Maersk, which has a regular container service with adjacent Adani Katupalli container terminal.
The shift to Ennore was due to ‘congestion free port, faster turnaround time, pro-active updates , lower local transportation costs for Maersk customers, more reliable sailing schedules with its global network and seamless back up plans through tie-ups with inland container depots, ports and feeder operators, the shipping line said.
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