V.O. Chidambaranar port records 41.7% growth in liquid ammonia cargo

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), Tuticorin, has posted a robust 41.7% year-on-year increase in liquid ammonia cargo handling during the April–November 2025 period, compared with the corresponding months of the previous year. The strong growth underscores the port’s rising importance as a key gateway for critical industrial and fertiliser-related imports in southern India.

Liquid ammonia is a vital input for the fertiliser sector, particularly in the production of urea and other nitrogen-based fertilisers, as well as for several chemical and industrial applications. The sharp increase in volumes handled at VOCPA reflects sustained demand from fertiliser manufacturers and downstream industries, driven by both agricultural requirements and broader industrial activity.

Port officials attributed the growth to improved operational efficiencies, reliable infrastructure, and streamlined cargo handling processes. The port’s specialised facilities for handling hazardous and temperature-sensitive cargo, combined with adherence to stringent safety and environmental standards, have enabled faster turnaround times and greater confidence among cargo owners and shipping lines.

VOCPA has also benefited from its strategic location on the southeast coast, offering convenient connectivity to fertiliser plants and industrial clusters in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states. Enhanced coordination with customs, terminal operators, and logistics service providers has further strengthened the port’s ability to handle higher volumes without congestion or delays.

The rise in liquid ammonia throughput aligns with the port’s broader strategy to diversify its cargo profile and strengthen its role in handling energy-related and chemical cargoes. In recent years, the port has been investing in capacity augmentation, mechanisation, and digital initiatives aimed at improving overall productivity and service quality.

With fertiliser demand expected to remain steady and industrial consumption of ammonia growing, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority is well positioned to sustain this momentum. The strong performance during April–November 2025 reinforces the port’s role as a critical enabler of regional supply chains and a dependable partner for India’s fertiliser and chemical industries.