AECTPL Phase 2 Expansion to Add 0.6 Million TEUs of Annual Container Capacity
Construction is underway on Phase 2 of the Adani Ennore Container Terminal (AECTPL), with the expansion planned to add approximately 0.6 million TEUs of annual container-handling capacity. The project includes a jetty extension, additional container yard space, new quay cranes and electric RTGs. �
Adani Ports
AECTPL is located around 30 km north of Chennai Port and is operated through a joint venture between Adani Ports and Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), the terminal arm of MSC. APSEZ holds 51%, while TiL holds 49%. �
Adani Ports +1
🚢 Expansion Highlights
The Phase 2 development includes:
0.6 million TEUs additional annual capacity
Extension of the existing container jetty
Expansion of the container yard
New Rail-Mounted Quay Cranes (RMQCs)
New electric RTG cranes
Additional reach stacker and terminal vehicles
Improved vessel and container-handling efficiency �
Adani Ports
📦 Growing Container Volumes
AECTPL handled approximately 701,000 TEUs in FY 2025–26, compared with around 681,000 TEUs in the previous financial year. Provisional data also showed approximately 122,000 TEUs during April–May 2026, representing about 30% year-on-year growth. �
The Loadstar
The terminal currently has an annual capacity of about 0.8 million TEUs, with expansion potential taking capacity toward approximately 1.4 million TEUs. �
Adani Ports
🌍 Why It Matters for South India’s EXIM Trade
The expansion comes as containerised trade through the Chennai region continues to grow.
AECTPL provides:
24/7 road connectivity → On-dock rail → Container terminal → International shipping network
This infrastructure supports exporters and importers across Tamil Nadu and the wider South Indian hinterland.
The terminal’s location outside central Chennai also provides easier road access, while its rail connectivity extends its reach toward Bengaluru and other industrial centres. �
Adani Ports
🚢 More Mainline Connectivity
AECTPL has increasingly attracted deep-sea and feeder services. Industry data reported in June 2026 indicated that the terminal was handling two deep-sea services and four feeder services, strengthening its direct international connectivity. �
The Loadstar
📈 The Bigger Picture
The expansion is part of a broader increase in container infrastructure around Chennai and Kamarajar Port.
Importantly, Kamarajar Port has now issued a ₹4,288-crore tender for a second container terminal, planned with capacity of up to 2 million TEUs. This would create another major container facility alongside AECTPL and further increase Chennai’s regional container-handling potential. �
Maritime Gateway
📰 EXIM India Times Headline
“AECTPL Phase 2 Expansion to Add 0.6 Million TEUs as Chennai Strengthens South India’s Container Gateway”
Key Facts
Particular
Details
Terminal
AECTPL
Location
Ennore, Chennai
Current capacity
~0.8 million TEUs
Phase 2 addition
~0.6 million TEUs
Potential capacity
~1.4 million TEUs
Quay
400 metres
APSEZ stake
51%
TiL/MSC stake
49%
FY2025–26 volume
~701,000 TEUs
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