A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON CONTAINER IMBALANCE IN CHENNAI PORT.

Abstract: This study explores the issue of container imbalance at Chennai Port, a critical maritime hub in India, focusing on the period from January 2023 to December 2024. Container imbalance-where the inflow and outflow of shipping containers are misaligned-can severely disrupt port operations, increase costs, and affect trade efficiency. The research utilizes the Container Availability Index (CAx), a weekly metric that reflects container surplus or shortage, to analyze trends in container circulation at the port. Data collected over 24 months reveals that while 2023 exhibited relatively stable container availability with limited shortages, 2024 experienced notable fluctuations, including multiple weeks of critical shortages and even zero availability-particularly in the first and final quarters. These trends indicate rising operational challenges for exporters, logistics providers, and port authorities, driven by uneven trade flows, delayed repositioning, and infrastructure constraints. The study not only quantifies the extent of the imbalance but also assesses its operational, financial, and environmental impacts. It concludes with strategic recommendations to improve container management, reduce repositioning costs, and ensure smoother logistics flow at Chennai Port.