TNPGCL explores handover of landmark offshore coal jetty to VOC Port

The Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation Limited (TNPGCL) has entered preliminary discussions with the V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority to oversee operations of Asia’s pioneering offshore coal jetty near Kallamozhi. Situated 7.9 km off the coast and developed to serve the Udangudi Supercritical Thermal Power Plant, the state-of-the-art facility was launched in 2019 and is now ready for inauguration. Notably, it features Asia’s first offshore breakwater constructed a full 8 km from the shoreline—marking a major milestone in marine engineering.

The Kallamozhi offshore coal jetty boasts a robust design featuring a 555-meter-long, 24-meter-wide main berth capable of accommodating two coal-laden ships simultaneously. Supporting operations are two auxiliary berths—each measuring 180 by 10 meters—dedicated to port activities and tugboat operations.

Built with cutting-edge infrastructure, the facility includes a substation, fire pump house, control room, staff quarters, and other essential amenities. Coal arriving at the jetty will be efficiently unloaded via hoppers and delivered to the Udangudi Supercritical Thermal Power Plant through fully enclosed conveyor systems, slashing transit time and operational costs.

A TANGEDCO official highlighted that seamless port operations will require coordination with various agencies including the Indian Navy, Customs, Coast Guard, Immigration authorities, CISF, TNPCB, and Fire and Police departments—reflecting the complex, multi-agency ecosystem that underpins this landmark marine facility.

TNPGCL Chairman and Managing Director Dr. J. Radhakrishnan has confirmed that preliminary talks are underway with the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority regarding the operational handover of the Kallamozhi offshore jetty. He emphasized that managing the jetty requires over 33 statutory clearances from various bodies—including the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Shipping Ministry, the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS). VOC Port’s established administrative framework could streamline this complex approval process, making it a more practical choice for overseeing the facility’s future operations.

A TANGEDCO official noted that the newly completed Kallamozhi offshore jetty is expected to deliver substantial cost savings in coal handling while eliminating the hefty demurrage charges often incurred at the Thoothukudi Thermal Power Station’s existing jetties. With a natural depth of 18 metres, the facility is well-suited to accommodate large Panamax-class vessels—streamlining bulk cargo deliveries.

Following an inspection, VOC Port authorities expressed readiness to manage operations, highlighting their robust capabilities including advanced tugboats, well-equipped barges, trained staff, and seasoned maritime pilots. The jetty’s strategic advantages are set to redefine coal logistics for the Udangudi Supercritical Thermal Power Plant.