Abstract: The Chennai Port Trust, a historically significant and strategically vital port on India's eastern seaboard, established in 1881, serves as a crucial gateway for a diverse spectrum of cargo, encompassing containerized goods, bulk commodities, and essential petroleum products. In an increasingly competitive global trade environment, the efficiency of cargo handling operations directly impacts the port's ability to facilitate trade, minimize delays, and contribute to overall supply chain effectiveness. This research project undertakes a comprehensive investigation into the optimization of these cargo handling operations at Chennai Port, with a central focus on achieving faster vessel turnaround times. The study adopts a mixed-methods research approach, strategically combining qualitative insights derived from stakeholder perspectives with quantitative analyses of key performance indicators. This methodological rigor allows for a holistic evaluation of operational efficiency, existing port infrastructure capacity and utilization, the extent of technology adoption within cargo handling processes, and the efficacy of coordination mechanisms among the various stakeholders involved in port operations. Key findings from the research illuminate critical areas for improvement, emphasizing the necessity for strategic technological upgrades to modernize equipment and systems, targeted workforce training programs to enhance productivity and skill sets, and the implementation of streamlined process improvements to eliminate bottlenecks and reduce operational delays. Ultimately, the study culminates in the formulation of actionable recommendations aimed at optimizing cargo handling procedures, enhancing overall port efficiency, and ensuring the long-term sustainable growth and competitiveness of Chennai Port within the dynamic landscape of the maritime industry.

Key words: Cargo handling, operations, Chennai port, port congession, port optimization, turn around time, infrastructure development.

| DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2025.125167