Port at a Glance
Port Overview
Kattupalli features container berths, Ro-Ro automobile handling and shipbuilding infrastructure (the original L&T shipyard). The 16-metre draft accommodates post-Panamax container vessels. A major private port operator's acquisition has expanded commercial container services with liner operators adding Kattupalli as a Tamil Nadu call alongside Chennai. Vehicle exports from the automotive cluster around Chennai use Kattupalli alongside Chennai and Ennore.
Parent Port Relationship
Kattupalli is associated with Chennai Port — private multi-purpose port 40 km north of chennai. Many vessel operators evaluate Kattupalli and Chennai together when planning Indian port calls. See the Chennai bunker guide for context on the broader supply area.
Bunker Fuel Grades Available at Kattupalli
Seven Ocean procures the following marine fuel grades at Kattupalli. Click any grade for full specifications.
Supply & Product Sourcing
Standard VLSFO, HSFO, LSMGO and MGO are available via barge from the broader Chennai-Kamarajar supply pool. The leading Indian private bunker operator's east-coast association with Indian PSU suppliers covers Kattupalli. Bunker volumes are lower than Chennai or Kamarajar but the shared supply chain means availability is reliable.
Supply landscape: Seven Ocean sources bunker fuel at this location from the full range of available physical suppliers — state-owned oil marketing companies, private-sector bunker operators, and independent regional specialists — selecting for each nomination based on price, quality and availability.
Refinery & product source: Coastal supply via the regional refiner Chennai; national distribution.
Delivery Methods
- Barge-to-ship
- Truck-to-ship
Barge-to-ship at berth or anchorage is the primary method. Truck-to-ship for LSMGO and smaller HSD stems. For container liners, alongside bunker during cargo is preferred to minimise port time. Lead time 48-72 hours.
Vessel Types Regularly Bunkered
Container vessels, automobile carriers (Ro-Ro), general cargo, shipbuilding.
Regulatory & Tax Context
GST on bunker fuel at Kattupalli, as at all Indian ports, is 5 percent for both foreign-going and coastal vessels. Indian-flag vessels operating under the Merchant Shipping Act plying cargo between Indian ports can claim customs duty exemption on imported bunker fuels subject to documentary conditions — we handle this paperwork as part of the supply contract. Bunker Delivery Notes are issued MARPOL Annex VI compliant with every stem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Kattupalli differ from Chennai and Ennore?
Kattupalli is a private multi-purpose port (L&T and the current port operator), distinct from the government-administered Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited (Ennore). The three ports cluster along ~40 km of Tamil Nadu coast and often feature in combined rotations for liner and automobile operators.
Can I bunker while L&T is doing shipbuilding work at Kattupalli?
Commercial cargo and bunker operations run independently of the L&T shipbuilding yard operations. Bunker nomination follows normal port procedures regardless of the shipbuilding side of the facility.
Is Kattupalli good for Ro-Ro automobile carriers?
Yes — Kattupalli is a significant Ro-Ro hub serving the Chennai automotive cluster (Ford, Hyundai, Renault-Nissan). Ro-Ro-class bunker stems (typically 300-800 MT LSMGO-heavy) are routinely handled.
Who owns Kattupalli now?
a leading Indian private port group acquired Kattupalli from L&T Shipbuilding in 2018. L&T continues the shipbuilding operations on part of the facility; a major private port operator operates the commercial cargo terminals.
What is typical container vessel bunker at Kattupalli?
Container liners calling Kattupalli for cargo typically stem 500-1,500 MT VLSFO during cargo operations. LSMGO top-ups of 100-300 MT are common for ECA-transit considerations.
Request a Quote for Kattupalli
Tell us the vessel, ETA, fuel grade and quantity, and we will return with a competitive stem. Seven Ocean is an independent bunker procurement partner — we source across the major oil marketing companies, a leading Indian refiner, the leading Indian private bunker operator and independent suppliers to secure the best combination of price, quality and availability.