Enayam Port

Tamil Research Institute
RAPID TECHNO-ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR
DEVELOPMENT OF COLACHEL PORT AT TAMILNADU
FINAL REPORT
4. KEY IMPERATIVES FOR ENAYAM PORT
The success of Enayam port depends on its ability to convince the shipping liners to re-route their traffic from the
competing ports to Enayam. Liners take a long term view and consider several factors while deciding their
preferred port of call.
Dipstick market test: As part of the study, the consultants have spoken with all leading shipping liners, leading
Indian and International port operators and also studied in detail how other major container ports in the world
have fared to understand the 'key imperatives' for Enayam. While, these key success factors have been analysed
with the view of establishing a large competitive trans-shipment port, the same factors are also applicable for
attracting gateway container traffic.
Basis these discussions, the following imperatives have been identified for ensuring success:
1. Deep draft
2. Proximity to main shipping routes
3. Scale of operations and sufficient capacity
4. Support and assurance of gateway traffic
5. Sufficient feeder capacity and cost efficient network
6. Competitive overall logistic economics
7. Efficient customs approval process
8. Hinterland road and rail connectivity
9. Cheap bunkering services
1. Deep Draft
The Suez route accounts for a major share of the total global container traffic flows and the mainline vessels use
this route for transporting cargo between US, Europe and Asia. Nearly ~80% of India's current container transshipment
cargo also moves through this route.
Liners prefer minimum deviation from their routes when selecting a trans-shipment port. As described in the figure
below, it is clearly evident that all ports on east and west coasts of India are located at a distance of >1 day of
voyage from the shipping route, which makes these locations unattractive for trans-shipment.
2. Proximity of main shipping routes
Global vessel sizes have significantly increased in the last decade and most main liner vessels have capacities of
10,000 TEUs and above, with the largest vessel reaching a capacity of 18,000 TEUs. Hence, availability of
adequate draft has become an important factor in attracting shipping lines. The current Indian ports which are