Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE IN KRK

Karaikal Port, India

India · 10.83° N, 79.87° E

The World Port Index classes Karaikal Port as a coastal harbor sheltered by breakwaters on the Bay of Bengal. It records a channel depth of 15.5 m and a cargo pier depth of 14.5 m. Norfolk is 14,160 km away in a straight line.

14,160 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Channel depth
15.5 m
Cargo pier depth
14.5 m
Max vessel length
238.1 m
From Norfolk
14,160 kmGreat-circle distance
Nearest port guide
Cuddalore100 km away

Depths and vessel limits

The index sets a maximum vessel length of 238.1 m and a maximum draft of 14 m.

Channel depth
15.5 m
Anchorage depth
11 m
Cargo pier depth
14.5 m
Tidal range
1 m
Maximum vessel length
238.1 m
Maximum vessel beam
38 m
Maximum vessel draft
14 m

As recorded in the World Port Index. Gauges run from 0 to 25 m. Confirm current depths and limits with the port before you fix a vessel.

Facilities on record

Arrival and entry

Karaikal Port is listed as a first port of entry. Pilotage is compulsory.

First port of entry
Yes
Pilotage compulsory
Yes
Pilotage available
Yes
Tug assistance
Yes
Arrival notice (ETA message) required
Yes
Shelter afforded
Good
Entrance restricted by tide
No
Entrance restricted by swell
No
Entrance restricted by ice
No
Overhead limits
No

Cargo handling

The heaviest lift class recorded is 100 tons and over.

Wharves
Yes
Fixed cranes
Yes
Mobile cranes
Yes
Floating cranes
No
Lifts of 100 tons and over
Yes
Longshore labor
Yes
Railway
Medium

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated moderate.

Repairs
Moderate
Electrical repair
Yes
Fuel oil
Yes
Diesel oil
Yes
Potable water
Yes
Provisions
Yes
Deck supplies
Yes
Engine supplies
Yes
Medical facilities
Yes
Garbage disposal
Yes
Airport
Yes

US trade with India

US exports, 2025
$45.4BLed by mineral fuels and oils
US imports, 2025
$103.8BLed by electrical machinery and equipment

Top goods, trade terms and port guides for India

Other ports in India

The nearest is Cuddalore, 100 km away in a straight line.

Sources

  • US trade figures: US Census Bureau, International Trade API, HS2 total exports and general imports for calendar 2024 and 2025, retrieved November 4, 2026.
  • Port data: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, World Port Index (Pub 150), from NGA's UpdatedPub150.csv as captured by the Internet Archive on September 29, 2026.
  • Distances are great-circle distances computed from World Port Index coordinates, not sailing distances.
  • Map: Natural Earth 1:110m land, public domain.