Chennai Port Launches Incentive Scheme

Chennai Port Authority has rolled out a new Non‑Containerized Cargo Incentive Scheme (NCCS) for 2026‑27, offering wharfage concessions of up to 80% to boost breakbulk, dry bulk and other non‑container cargo volumes. The scheme is designed to attract new cargo, reward existing customers for incremental volumes and strengthen Chennai’s position as a key multipurpose port on India’s east coast.

Under NCCS 2026‑27, eligible coastal and EXIM cargo handled on port‑operated berths can avail graded wharfage discounts linked to incremental volume growth over a defined base year. In addition to the headline relief of up to 80% on wharfage for higher incremental slabs, the scheme also provides loyalty bonuses of up to 10% for customers who consistently route cargo through Chennai Port.

The incentive covers a wide basket of non‑containerised cargo, including liquid bulk (excluding crude oil and petroleum products), dry bulk and breakbulk shipments that are critical for industrial supply chains. By lowering logistics costs for these segments, Chennai Port aims to capture more regional cargo, deepen shipper relationships and counter competition from neighbouring ports in the Bay of Bengal.

Port officials expect the new scheme to support higher utilisation of general cargo berths, encourage diversification beyond container traffic and make Chennai more attractive for steel, project cargo, fertilisers, coal and other bulk and breakbulk commodities. The move aligns with broader efforts under the Sagarmala and Maritime India Vision frameworks to enhance cargo throughput, improve port competitiveness and incentivise value‑added logistics at major ports.