Master Guide to the CITPL Vessel Berthing Schedule The CITPL vessel berthing schedule serves as the operational baseline for container logistics across South India, determining the exact arrival, docking, and departure sequence of container ships at the Chennai International Container Terminals Private Limited (CITPL) . Managed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of global port group PSA International , CITPL is the primary deep-draft container terminal operating within the historic Chennai Port . For supply chain managers, freight forwarders, and vessel operators, staying synchronized with this berthing line-up is critical. Accurate tracking prevents costly gate-in delays, avoids container demurrage, and optimizes the movement of goods through India's "Gateway to the South". 1. Real-Time Tracking: Where to Access the CITPL Schedule Because maritime schedules shift dynamically due to weather, port traffic, or carrier delays, real-time access is vital. Live operational logs and cut-off metrics can be monitored via these validated channels: Official Terminal Portals : Real-time shifts in terminal productivity, rail movements, and regional logistics announcements are hosted via PSA India Chennai . Global Carrier Databases : Major shipping alliances published detailed live data. Export schedules, Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), Estimated Time of Departure (ETD), and strict container VGM cut-off deadlines can be systematically monitored on the CMA CGM Chennai Port Schedule . Alliance Networks : Weekly regional service windows for major South and East Asian loops are updated continuously on the Ocean Network Express (ONE) Port Schedule . Port Authority Overviews : The master alignment for all vessel types navigating the common channel can be cross-verified directly on the Chennai Port Authority Line-up . 2. Infrastructure Profile & Technical Capacity CITPL is engineered to host new-generation, deep-draft mega container vessels. Its unique geographic orientation points westward—away from the open waters of the Bay of Bengal—which effectively insulates the berths from severe maritime surges and ensures continuous operations in adverse conditions. The physical and mechanical capabilities supporting the berthing line-up include: Vessels To Be Berthed | Chennai Port Authority © Copyright Chennai Port Authority. Last Update on: 29/05/2026 12:00 PM. Chennai Port Authority PSA India Chennai | CITPL Container Terminal
CITPL Vessel Berthing Schedule: Comprehensive Guide to Chennai Port’s Premier Container Terminal The Chennai International Terminals Private Limited (CITPL) , a subsidiary of PSA India, is a vital node in India's logistics network, providing crucial container handling services at the Chennai Port. As the second-largest container port in India , understanding the CITPL vessel berthing schedule is essential for shipping lines, forwarders, and supply chain managers aiming to optimize operations in the Bay of Bengal region . This article provides a detailed overview of the CITPL vessel berthing schedule, how to access it, and why this terminal is a key player in South India's maritime trade as of June 2026 . What is the CITPL Vessel Berthing Schedule? The CITPL vessel berthing schedule is a dynamic, real-time schedule detailing the expected arrival, mooring, cargo operation, and departure times of container vessels at the CITPL terminal within the Chennai Port Authority. It enables logistics stakeholders to anticipate bottlenecks, plan vessel turnaround times, and manage container inventory efficiently. The schedule includes: Vessel Name & Voyage Number: Identification of the ship. Arrival Time (ATA/ETA): When the vessel enters the port. Berthing Time (ATB/ETB): When the vessel docks at the CITPL berth. Departure Time (ATD/ETD): When the vessel clears the terminal. Service Lane: The specific trade route serviced. Accessing the CITPL Berthing Schedule (June 2026) As of early June 2026, terminal schedules are primarily managed through the Chennai Port Authority's digital platforms and direct terminal reports. Chennai Port Authority Official Portal: The most accurate source for the "Vessels To Be Berthed" is the Chennai Port Authority website , which is updated daily to reflect the queue. PSA India / CITPL Terminal Systems: CITPL operates using an advanced Terminal Operating System (TOS), often providing real-time data to shipping lines. Shipping Line E-business Portals: Major carriers (like CMA CGM or ONE) update their own port schedules for Chennai based on CITPL data. Key Considerations for Users: Schedules can change due to weather conditions or berth congestion. The terminal operates 24/7, but tidal conditions may impact the berthing times for larger vessels. Always check for Trade Notices regarding port operations. Key Information in CITPL Schedules When checking the schedule, stakeholders should look for specific milestones: Cut-off Times: The SI Cut-off and VGM Cut-off (Verified Gross Mass) are crucial for exporters. Missing these results in the container rolling over to the next vessel. Vessel Call Sign: Accurate identification of the ship. Import/Export Status: Indication of whether the vessel is discharging, loading, or both. Benefits of Following the CITPL Schedule Reduced Waiting Time: Knowing the ETA allows vessels to plan their arrival, minimizing anchorage time. Optimized Trucking: Logistics providers can schedule container pick-ups/drop-offs (gate movements) in synchronization with vessel operations. Efficient Inventory Management: Exporters know exactly when their cargo must be at the gate for loading. Avoiding Delays: Real-time updates help in managing logistics around potential labor shortages or maintenance activities at the terminal. CITPL Terminal Overview CITPL is known for its high productivity, modern container handling equipment (super post-panamax quay cranes), and direct connectivity to the hinterland. As the Bay of Bengal's largest container hub, it plays a key role in connecting South India to Southeast Asia, Europe, and the US. Operator: PSA International. Location: Chennai Port (East Coast of India). Key Services: Handling container vessels, coastal cargo, and transshipment. For real-time updates and to avoid fraudulent information, ensure you are utilizing the official Chennai Port Authority portal. If you can tell me the specific vessel name , shipping line , or arrival date you are interested in, I can help you find a more tailored schedule . Vessels To Be Berthed | Chennai Port Authority © Copyright Chennai Port Authority. Last Update on: 01/06/2026 2:00 PM. Chennai Port Authority Chennai Port Authority: Home
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What is CITPL? The Terminal Behind the Schedule A Premier Container Terminal in Southern India Chennai International Terminals Pvt Ltd (CITPL) is a subsidiary of PSA International , one of the world’s leading port groups with operations spanning over 40 terminals across 16 countries. CITPL began operations in 2009 and achieved a significant milestone in September 2017, handling its 5 millionth TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit). Today, the terminal handles more than 900,000 TEUs annually and continues to hold a leading position on India’s eastern coastline. Location and Strategic Importance CITPL operates within Chennai Port — formerly known as Madras Port — which is India’s second-largest container port and the largest in the Bay of Bengal region. The port comprises three docks with 24 berths, accommodating drafts ranging from 8.5 metres to 16.5 metres. Chennai Port is recognized as a major hub for containerised cargo, automobile shipments, and project cargo on the East Coast. The terminal serves as a critical gateway for container corridors spanning Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Pondicherry . Its proximity to national highways NH4, NH5, and NH45, along with on-dock rail siding facilities, provides excellent connectivity to India’s industrial heartland. Key Infrastructure and Capabilities CITPL boasts state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed to accommodate up to three deep-draft vessels simultaneously . The quay is strategically positioned to face west, away from the Bay of Bengal, offering natural protection from cyclonic weather and enabling hassle-free vessel operations in all conditions . When fully completed, the terminal will have a total berth length of 2,000 metres . The terminal is equipped with 8 quay cranes (QCs) that can achieve a combined vessel productivity of approximately 208 moves per hour when all are operational simultaneously. Beyond its berthing infrastructure, CITPL offers comprehensive capabilities including: citpl vessel berthing schedule
Reefer management with 304 reefer points for perishable goods Dangerous goods handling managing over 18,000 TEUs annually Enhanced depot services for oversized and out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo On-site warehousing enabling integrated transport and storage solutions
Understanding the CITPL Vessel Berthing Schedule What Is a Vessel Berthing Schedule? A vessel berthing schedule is a dynamic timetable that shows which ships are currently at the terminal, which vessels are scheduled to arrive, and which are waiting to dock. For CITPL specifically, this schedule includes:
Working vessels currently at berth with their cargo handling status Expected vessels with their estimated time of arrival (ETA) Waiting vessels at outer anchorage awaiting berth availability Estimated time of completion/departure for vessels currently in port Master Guide to the CITPL Vessel Berthing Schedule
The schedule is equally crucial for importers and exporters, offering a clear view of ship arrivals, departures, and turnaround times to help manage supply chains seamlessly. Why the Berthing Schedule Matters | Stakeholder | Why the Berthing Schedule is Crucial | |---|---| | Importers | Plan cargo retrieval and warehouse capacity | | Exporters | Coordinate stuffing, documentation, and delivery to port | | Freight forwarders | Optimise multimodal transport connections | | Customs brokers | Prepare documentation and ensure timely clearance | | Shipping lines | Plan fleet utilisation and service reliability | CITPL’s Productivity Performance CITPL has demonstrated remarkable operational efficiency. On one notable occasion, the terminal completed discharging and loading operations on a vessel within 28 hours, handling 3,800 TEUs at a vessel productivity rate of 103 moves per hour . In another instance, vessel operations on m.v. Hyundai Future were completed within 24 hours at a productivity rate of 76 moves per hour . These productivity rates are among the highest on the Indian eastern seaboard, underscoring why accurate berthing schedule information is so valuable for time-sensitive supply chains.
How to Access the CITPL Vessel Berthing Schedule 1. Third-Party Maritime Tracking Platforms Several third-party platforms provide live or regularly updated vessel schedules for Chennai Port: VoShip The Voceanship.com platform offers detailed vessel line-up information for Chennai Port, including working vessels with berth numbers, vessel names, cargo quantities, arrival dates, berthing dates, and estimated completion dates (ETC/D). The platform also lists waiting vessels and expected arrivals, along with important operational notes and restrictions. SeaRates The SeaRates Chennai Port schedule page provides ship arrival and departure schedules, fleet location tracking, vessel data, and expected ships in port. 2. Real-Time Vessel Tracking via AIS Maritime enthusiasts and logistics professionals can also track live vessel traffic at Chennai Port using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data . Platforms such as Maritime Optima’s ShipAtlas provide live port traffic information, including currently moored vessels and recently departed ships. These tools integrate satellite and terrestrial AIS data to deliver near real-time positional information, which can be particularly useful for monitoring the estimated time of arrival of an awaited vessel or for verifying the progress of a vessel already at berth. 3. CARGO ADMITTANCE NOTIFICATIONS FROM SHIPPING LINES While not a complete berthing schedule, shipping lines frequently issue detailed cargo admittance notices that provide vital berthing-related information for specific vessels. For example, CMA CGM routinely publishes notices containing:
Vessel name and voyage number ETA Chennai and ETD Chennai Gate opening and closing times Shipping bill cut-off times Direct Port Entry (DPE) clearance instructions Live operational logs and cut-off metrics can be
These notices make clear the direct linkage between berthing windows and cargo readiness: “For Direct Port Entry Clearance, we request you to Submit the Shipping bill copy to terminal doc office before the Vessel berthing and get the Release confirmation … failing which container will be shut from the planned vessel.” 4. INDIAN PORT ASSOCIATION (IPA) DAILY REPORTS The Indian Port Association publishes daily vessels position reports for all major Indian ports, including Chennai. These official documents provide aggregated data on:
Vessels currently at berth Vessels waiting at anchorage Remarks on waiting reasons (e.g., “2 Crude Oil Tankers waiting for Agent Confirmation”)