Chennai port sets single-day barytes export record, adds pig iron to cargo mix

Record throughput of 46,000 tonnes underscores India's expanding bulk-export capacity as the terminal inaugurates new cranes to handle diversified cargo streams.

By Handelsavisen Newsroom · Automated 2026-07-31 16:04 UTC · 1 min read

Chennai Port Trust has set a new single-day record for barytes exports, handling 46,000 tonnes in one day.

The milestone coincides with the port's expansion into new cargo categories, specifically pig iron, and the inauguration of three new harbour mobile cranes designed to boost operational throughput.

The development highlights the port's strategic push to diversify its cargo base beyond traditional containers and bulk commodities.

By adding pig iron to its export mix, Chennai Port is positioning itself to capture a larger share of India's growing metallurgical trade.

The new cranes are expected to reduce turnaround times and increase the terminal's capacity to handle heavy-lift and specialized cargo, addressing a key bottleneck in the region's logistics infrastructure.

This operational upgrade comes as Indian ports face increasing pressure to modernize and compete with regional hubs.