Feasibility Report for Development of RoRo cum GCB

2.2 Historical Background

Ennore Port was conceived in 1980s as a port to handle the coal for the
Thermal Power Stations to be located adjacent to the port. The intention is
to minimize the coal transportation cost to the thermal power stations by
adopting the sea route. Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB), presently
TANGEDCO planned to construct coal fired power stations near the Port
with an ultimate capacity of 2130 MW consisting of 3 phases; Phase I 630
MW, Phase II 1000 MW and Phase III 500 MW. Out of these, Phase I of
630 MW project was completed and is in operation since 1993. Ennore Port
has been developed near the North Chennai Thermal Power Station
(NCTPS) of TNEB. At the time of commencing / implementation of the
project, 14.20 million tons per annum of coal was projected to be handled
through Ennore Port for TNEB power plants.

Figure 2.2 Kamarajar Port

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 Feasibility Report for Development of RoRo cum GCB

Although, initially Ennore Port was planned for the coal of TNEB power
plants only, realizing the potential of the green field port, a master plan
study was commissioned at the design stage itself so that the harbour
basin is built incorporating the future requirements. The harbour of
Ennore Port as built in Phase 1, is suitable for adding terminals to handle
coal for non-TNEB users, iron-ore, crude oil, LNG, petroleum products,
other liquids, automobiles and general Cargo. There is sufficient backup
land available for developing port based industries by importing raw
materials and exporting finished goods and value added products. The
Tamil Nadu Government has already initiated actions for setting up of a
Special Economic Zone project at Ennore adjacent to the port. Kamarajar
Port has already engaged a consultant for setting up of a Free Trade
Warehousing Zone in Port.

2.3 Kamarajar Port as at Present

Kamarajar Port Limited is operating the Port as a landlord port limiting its
functions to overall planning for development, mobilization of investment
for development, conservancy of the port, regulatory aspects, environment
monitoring, dredging the berth areas, port basin and approach channel to
provide adequate water depths for the safe navigation of ships, installation
of navigational aids/fire-fighting facilities, road and rail connectivity and
facilitating supply of water and electricity. The development and operation
of individual cargo terminals are entrusted to private operators.

Kamarajar Port presently consists of a harbour basin protected by two

breakwaters on the northern/eastern side and the southern side. The
north/east breakwater is 3080 m long while the south breakwater is 1070
m long. An approach channel 3775 m long; 270 m wide and 20 m deep
(CD) leads to a turning basin of 600 m diameter with 18.50 m deep (CD).
For safe navigation in and out of the Port, KPL has a signal tower and
navigation aids in the form of two transit light towers, six channel buoys
and one fairway buoy.

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