Chennai (ex Madras)
UN/LOCODE INMAA · India
Shore leave
Chennai (Madras), India's principal east-coast port, handles container, bulk, and automobile export traffic. Shore leave follows the standard Indian procedure. Welfare provision via Stella Maris Chennai + Apostleship of the Sea.
Walking distance and transit
Chennai Port is 5-15 minutes from central Chennai (T Nagar, Anna Nagar). Compact and easy to access. Chennai International Airport is 60 minutes south.
Essentials
ATMs: SBI, HDFC, ICICI everywhereMoney changers: Express Avenue Mall, Phoenix Marketcity have RBI-licensed dealersHospital: Apollo Hospitals Chennai (major private chain HQ), Sri Ramachandra Medical CentrePrayer rooms: Chennai Mosque (Triplicane) is the central Islamic landmarkHalal food: Royapettah, Triplicane areasSupermarket: Big Bazaar, Reliance Fresh, MoreSIM card: same Indian options as Mumbai
Seafarer tips
Do: try Chennai's South Indian cuisine — distinctly different from north Indian. Don't: rely on English everywhere — Tamil is the working language outside hotels. Watch for: Chennai's hot-humid climate is intense year-round; budget extra rest time.
See also
- · Full port record — Chennai (ex Madras) — timezone, currency, welfare, PSC.
- · Other port crew guides
- · Crew-change hubs directory
Last verified: 2026-06-29