Ports in India

About 1000 BC, from Ophir (Sopara, near Mumbai) goodes were taken for Hiram, king of Tyre in his ships. About 25 BC, ports like Bharakachha (Broach), Muzris (Kodangallur), Poduca (Pondicherry), saptanea (Chennai), Puhar, Tamarlipti were well known and traded with Greece, Rome, west Asia and Gulf countries. In 17 th century KOzhikode and Kochi were become important ports of trade with Europe, Iran and other Gulf countries.

India has 6100 km of coastline and 11 major ports apart from 139 minor ports.

1. Mumbai, Arabian Sea, natural and biggest port, handles one fifth of the total traffic, major naval base.
2. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Arabian Sea, newly opened port.
3. Kochi, Arabian Sea, largest natural harbour.
4. Kandla, Arabian Sea-Gulf of Kutch, tidal port.
5. Mormugoa, Arabian Sea, second largest port.
6. Mangalore, Arabian Sea, a tidal port.
7. Chennai, Bay of Bengal, oldest port and largest artificial habour.
8. Tuticorin, Indian Ocean, shallow port.
9. Visakhapatnam, Bay of Bengal, deepest protected port, major naval base.
10. Paradeep, Bay of Bengal, newly opened port.
11. Kolkata, Bay of Bengal On Hooghly river, the biggest terminal port of South Asia.

The four major shipyards are Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineering Ltd Kolkata, Mazagaon dock Ltd Mumbai, Hindustan Shipyard Ltd Visakhapatnam, Cochin Shipyard Kochi. In addition there are 32 small shipping yards in private sector.