PSA International's CITPL sets record with vessel Wan Hai 507 at Chennai Port

September 16, 2019: PSA International (PSA) subsidiary Chennai International Terminals Pvt Ltd (CITPL) has set a new vessel productivity record of 171 moves per hour for south and east India. The terminal handled 3,023 moves in just under 19 hours on September 12, 2019, for the 4,252 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) vessel Wan Hai 507.

The previous record for South and East India was 168 moves per hour, which was also set by CITPL in August 2016.

Congratulating the CITPL team, P Raveendran, chairman, Chennai Port Trust said, “We compliment the CITPL team on setting this new operational record, and in surpassing their previous milestone. CITPL’s progress is an integral part of Chennai Port’s offerings as part of our long-term commitment to the trade for sustainable operations.”

CITPL started operations in 2009 and is marching towards its 7 millionth TEU benchmark by September 2019. PSA International’s portfolio comprises a network of over 50 coastal, rail and inland terminals in 18 countries.

Captain T MadhanMohan, general manager of CITPL said that CTPL had raised the bar for terminal productivity in the region. "Achieving a vessel rate of 171 moves per hour translates directly into cost savings for shipping lines and port users. We are immensely grateful to Wan Hai Lines for their support and close cooperation, as well as to our staff for their commitment and teamwork."

He added that CITPL is working closely with Chennai Port Trust to enhance its competitiveness. "Recent reductions in vessel related charges, increases in free time for direct port deliveries (DPD) and direct port exports (DPE), streamlining of road access, cuts in short haul rail charges by Indian Railways and the development of an empty container depot inside the Port area are just some of the initiatives being taken by stakeholders towards this objective,” added Captain MadanMohan.

Earlier this month, Chennai Port welcomed the largest container vessel to visit India’s south and eastern coast. The MV CMA CGM Rhone was berthed by Chennai Container Terminal, operated by DP World.

Roger Yu, owners' representative for Wan Hai Lines said, “We salute PSA Chennai’s achievement! The levels of efficiency and reliability demonstrated week in week out by the terminal allow us, as a long term customer, to optimize our operational planning and so realise the benefits to our network and for our customers. We look forward to the next milestone.”