MARG Karaikal Port has added container handling services to its fast growing cargo-mix. The landmark was achieved on 31 July 2011 when the container vessel 'M V Ruhunupura', called at the port to discharge and load containers for the very first time. The container carried multiple cargo across a diverse customer base.

Commenting on the launch of container services at MARG Karaikal Port, GRK Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director, MARG Ltd, says "The launch of container handling services at MARG Karaikal Port will provide local industries with a cost effective and time efficient alternate. Central Tamil Nadu region is home to key foreign trade industries such as garments, textiles, cement, engineering goods and machinery, paper, granites, steel scrap and seafood exports which would derive significant benefits by opting for MARG Karaikal Port to ship their containers."

The port has also inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) to provide dedicated regular container train services linking the port with CONCOR ICDs in locations such as Coimbatore, Tirupur and Bangalore (Whitefield).

Designed from the outset to be a modern, deepwater multi-commodity port with the latest cargo handling equipments and processes, the port's modern infrastructure with deeper draft capable of handling even Panamax vessels offers container lines an attractive port of call on the South East Coast of India, close to a region with a rich industrial base and high involvement in international trade.

The port boasts a full suite of capable equipment for handling containers including 3 Liebherr Mobile Harbour Cranes, Reach Stackers and other associated equipment and the port has also invested in dedicated infrastructure for container handling including sufficient open storage areas and warehouse spaces. The port's operational processes and practices are ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certified.