Kakinada Deep Water Port & Anchorage: Logistics, Berths & Customs Clearing
📋 Quick Facts & Directory Essentials
The maritime economy of Andhra Pradesh revolves significantly around the twin ports of Kakinada: the modernized Kakinada Deep Water Port (KDWP) operated by Kakinada Sea Ports Limited (KSPL) and the historic Kakinada Anchorage Port managed by the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board. Blessed by the protective barrier of Hope Island, Kakinada represents one of the safest natural all-weather maritime harbors in South Asia, enabling 24x7 pilotage, cargo operations, and offshore energy logistics.
Deep Water Port vs. Anchorage Port Operations
Kakinada features a unique dual-port operational ecosystem serving different vessel classes and cargo profiles:
- Kakinada Deep Water Port (KSPL): A private, all-weather deep-water harbor with an approach channel maintained at depths allowing modern Panamax and Handymax cargo vessels with draughts up to 14.5 meters. Equipped with high-capacity mobile harbor cranes, automated mechanized bulk fertilizer discharge systems, and railway sidings directly inside the wharf.
- Kakinada Anchorage Port: One of India's oldest operating anchorage ports. Ocean-going bulk carriers anchor 3 to 5 miles out in the tranquil Kakinada Bay, shielded by Hope Island. Hundreds of motorized steel barges and wooden lighters transport non-basmati rice bags from canal wharves out to waiting mother vessels.
Berth Infrastructure and Cargo Handling Matrix
The modern deep-water port operates seven commercial berths handling diverse commodities:
| Berth Designation | Length & Draught | Dedicated Commodities Handled |
|---|---|---|
| Berths 1 & 2 | 610 meters (13.5m draught) | Dry Bulk Cargo: Thermal Coal, Coking Coal, Gypsum & Rock Phosphate |
| Berth 3 & 4 | 600 meters (14.0m draught) | Agri-commodities: Parboiled Rice, Maize, Soya Meal, Wheat |
| Berth 5 & 6 | 650 meters (14.5m draught) | Liquid Bulk: Edible Vegetable Oils, Molasses, Crude Petroleum & Chemicals |
| OSV Berths (North) | 300 meters (7.5m draught) | Offshore Supply Vessels serving Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin gas rigs |
Customs Clearing and Forwarding Ecosystem
The Kakinada Custom House, functioning under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), is situated near the port gate. Over 100 licensed Customs Brokers (CBs), Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) agencies, container freight stations (CFS), and marine surveying bureaus operate offices along Beach Road and Port Road:
- Digital ICEGATE Documentation: Cargo manifests, Shipping Bills (for exports), and Bills of Entry (for imports) are processed seamlessly through the national ICEGATE electronic data interchange.
- Plant Quarantine & Port Health Inspection: Mandatory phytosanitary testing for agricultural rice consignments and health clearances for foreign crews docking at Kakinada harbor.
- Containerized Cargo Sidings: Dedicated inland container rail links connect Kakinada directly to Hyderabad dry ports and industrial zones across Central India.