Operational Challenges Persist at Adani Kattupalli Port.

Adani Group’s Kattupalli Port in North Chennai is experiencing significant operational issues following the recent rollout of a new Terminal Operating System (TOS), causing delays in import container delivery, trade members reported. Containers are reportedly hard to locate, and there are lengthy delays in moving shipments to various container freight stations (CFS) around Chennai. A company official acknowledged the challenges, attributing them to the new software implementation, and noted that the situation is gradually stabilizing.

Chennai Customs Brokers Association (CCBA) President R.N. Sekar raised concerns in a letter on November 5, stating that operational difficulties have worsened, despite repeated grievances. CCBA Secretary S. Nataraja said the situation has not improved over the past week, citing persistent issues in locating import containers and generating Equipment Interchange Receipts (EIR).

Export cargo vehicles have reportedly faced three-day wait times for unloading, with import delivery dwell times stretching to 10 days due to terminal congestion. The association highlighted a shortage of equipment and operators, compounded by the lack of storage or demurrage charge relief for importers affected by delays.

The National Association of Container Freight Stations (NACFS) echoed these concerns in a letter to the Chennai Customs Principal Commissioner, stating that the TOS challenges are creating bottlenecks at both Adani Kattupalli and Ennore terminals. NACFS requested storage waivers and compensation for trailer waiting times and container detention fees caused by delivery delays.

In a meeting held on November 7, chaired by the Commissioner of Customs and attended by Adani port officials, stakeholders discussed reducing the number of vessels berthed at Kattupalli to facilitate smoother operations. According to Nataraja, a terminal official confirmed that only one container ship will be berthed at a time from November 11-14 to help reduce vehicle wait times. However, trade representatives emphasize that more effective solutions are urgently needed to restore normal operations.

HBL