Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva)
MaharashtraIndia's largest container port. FCL/LCL gateway for western and central India.
Key cargo
Containers (FCL, LCL), general cargo
Shipping Guide
Major Ports in India: the complete guide
India's 7,500 km coastline is served by 13 major ports and more than 200 non-major ports, together handling around 95% of the country's EXIM trade by volume. This guide breaks down each major port — where it is, what it handles, and how to pick the right gateway for your sea freight shipment.
The 13 major ports at a glance
Ports are grouped by coast. Volumes and specialisations reflect recent operating years.
West coast ports
Mundra Port
GujaratLargest private port. Deep-draft container, bulk and crude terminals with strong ICD connectivity.
Key cargo
Containers, coal, crude, chemicals
Kandla (Deendayal) Port
GujaratLeading bulk and liquid cargo port serving north and west India.
Key cargo
POL, edible oils, grain, fertiliser
Mumbai Port
MaharashtraHistoric multi-cargo port; break-bulk, project and passenger traffic.
Key cargo
Break-bulk, POL, project cargo
Mormugao Port
GoaIron ore and bulk exports; coastal and cruise traffic.
Key cargo
Iron ore, coal, bulk
New Mangalore Port
KarnatakaPOL, LPG and containers for the south-west industrial belt.
Key cargo
POL, LPG, containers, fertiliser
Cochin Port
KeralaTranshipment hub at Vallarpadam ICTT; spices, seafood, containers.
Key cargo
Containers, POL, project cargo
East coast ports
V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tuticorin)
Tamil NaduSouthern container and bulk gateway with strong Sri Lanka/Southeast Asia links.
Key cargo
Containers, coal, fertiliser
Chennai Port
Tamil NaduAutomotive, container and project cargo hub for South India.
Key cargo
Cars, containers, project cargo
Kamarajar Port (Ennore)
Tamil NaduIndia's first corporate major port. Coal, LNG and automobile terminals.
Key cargo
Coal, LNG, automobiles
Visakhapatnam Port
Andhra PradeshDeep-draft east coast port for bulk, containers and crude.
Key cargo
Iron ore, coal, crude, containers
Paradip Port
OdishaIron ore, coal and crude gateway on the east coast.
Key cargo
Iron ore, coal, POL, thermal coal
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (Kolkata & Haldia)
West BengalRiverine port serving eastern India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Key cargo
Containers, POL, coal, project cargo
How to choose the right Indian port
1. Match the port to your cargo
Containers move fastest through JNPT, Mundra, Chennai and Cochin. Bulk cargo (coal, iron ore, fertiliser) is best served by Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Kandla and Mormugao.
2. Consider sailing frequency
Direct services to Europe and the US are strongest from JNPT and Mundra. Southeast Asia and Far East trade lanes are covered well by Chennai, Tuticorin and Visakhapatnam.
3. Factor in inland cost
A cheaper ocean rate can be wiped out by long inland haulage. ICD availability and rail connectivity often decide the real landed cost.
4. Watch dwell time & congestion
Congestion, terminal productivity and customs clearance speed vary by port and season. A well-planned routing avoids costly detention and demurrage.
Frequently asked questions
How many major ports are there in India?
India has 13 major ports notified by the Government of India — 6 on the west coast (JNPT, Mundra*, Kandla, Mumbai, Mormugao, New Mangalore, Cochin) and 7 on the east coast (Tuticorin, Chennai, Kamarajar, Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Kolkata/Haldia). Mundra is India's largest port by volume but is operated privately; the 12 government-administered major ports plus a growing list of non-major ports handle the rest of the country's maritime trade.
Which is the largest port in India?
By total cargo volume, Mundra Port in Gujarat is the largest port in India. Among government-administered major ports, Deendayal (Kandla) leads by tonnage while Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT / Nhava Sheva) is the largest container port, handling the highest TEU throughput in the country.
Which port should I use for FCL exports from India?
For most FCL exports, JNPT (Nhava Sheva) and Mundra on the west coast offer the widest sailing options to Europe, US and the Mediterranean. Chennai and Visakhapatnam are preferred east-coast gateways for Southeast Asia, Far East and Australia routes. Your best choice depends on origin ICD, commodity, sailing frequency and inland haulage cost.
What is the difference between major and non-major ports?
Major ports are administered under the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 by the central government. Non-major (state) ports — such as Krishnapatnam, Pipavav, Hazira and Dhamra — are regulated by state maritime boards. Both handle EXIM cargo; the distinction is administrative, not operational.
Which Indian port handles the most container traffic?
Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT / Nhava Sheva) in Maharashtra handles the highest container volume among Indian ports, followed by Mundra. Together they account for the majority of India's containerised EXIM trade.
How do I choose the right port for my shipment?
Consider four factors: (1) proximity to your origin or destination to reduce inland haulage, (2) direct sailings to your target country, (3) port congestion and dwell time, and (4) customs and terminal charges. Novon Logistics evaluates all four and recommends the optimal gateway for every shipment.
Not sure which port fits your shipment?
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