V.O. Chidambaranar Port achieves early 30 MMT cargo handlining mark

The early crossing of the 30 MMT threshold underlines the port’s improving operational performance and rising demand across multiple cargo segments.

December 16, 2025
9:07 am
ASL Narasimha

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), Tuticorin, has crossed the 30 million metric tonnes (MMT) cargo handling mark in the current financial year, reaching the milestone on December 14—its fastest achievement so far and a full week ahead of last year’s timeline.

Port officials said the steady pace of growth was evident through the year, with cargo throughput touching 10 MMT by June 26 and 20 MMT by September 21. The early crossing of the 30 MMT threshold underlines the port’s improving operational performance and rising demand across multiple cargo segments.

Several commodities recorded strong year-on-year growth during the April–November 2025 period. Timber log traffic surged by over 176%, while pulses cargo volumes more than doubled, registering growth of around 110% compared with the same period last year. The handling of construction materials also saw a sharp rise, with volumes increasing by nearly 142% year-on-year.

Operational efficiency at the port was further highlighted by a high-productivity bulk operation at the NCB-II berth, where 38,319 metric tonnes of coal were discharged from the vessel MV Danae I within a 24-hour window. The performance was enabled by the simultaneous deployment of two harbour mobile cranes and the effective use of newly developed backup storage space, helping reduce vessel turnaround time.

The port authority acknowledged the role of trade partners in achieving these results, including Vijay Trading Company, which acted as stevedore, and Ocean Masters Shipping Pvt. Ltd., the vessel agent, for their contribution to smooth and timely cargo handling.

In parallel with its operational achievements, VOC Port Authority continues to engage closely with local industry stakeholders. During the week, Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of the Port Authority, held discussions with representatives of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tuticorin, to review upcoming industry engagements and areas of mutual interest.

The port authority said sustained collaboration with the trade community remains central to its efforts to enhance operational excellence and support the region’s maritime and economic growth.