Paradip is one of the major ports of India and is the main center of the sea-borne trade in the Bay of Bengal. The foundation stone of the port was laid by the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1962. It was dedicated to the country in 1966.
The port is equipped to handle all types of cargo. It has mechanized coal handling plant, iron ore berth, cargo berths, and container handling facilities. The port is an artificial lagoon-type harbour, protected by rubble mound break-waters. It is well connected to major cities by road and rail.