The coastal container shuttle service has been flagged out between the ports of Chennai and Pondicherry

Coastal shipping service between the ports of Chennai and Pondicherry began Monday with the 106-TEU container feeder vessel Hope Seven setting out on its voyage.

Chennai Port Chairman Sunil Paliwal flagged out the ship at DP World Container Terminal in Chennai Port.

The Indian government has recognized the economic and environmental benefits of coastal shipping compared to road transport as part of its Sagarmala programme.

In this context, the government decided to develop Pondicherry Port as a satellite port of Chennai Port for containerized cargo – exports and imports to and from Puducherry (Pondicherry) and its hinterland, which extends to Cuddalore/Nagapattinam in the south-east and Trichy/Villupuram to the south and Salem/Namakal to the west.

In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Chennai Port and Pondicherry Port on March 15, 2017.

Commercial cargo handling could not commence immediately due to changed weather conditions, resulting in siltation at the mouth of the Port of Pondicherry.

To alleviate the silting problem and develop the port, deepening of the sea estuary entrance at Pondicherry Port was undertaken.

Pondicherry Port is Customs ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway) with a fast import and export clearance facility with an efficient warehouse at the port which includes a filling and discharging facility in Pondicherry.

In addition to regular containers, refrigerated containers can also be shipped between the two ports.

The service is expected to increase cargo volume from Pondicherry and its hinterland to the Port of Chennai with no road congestion.