V.O. Chidambaranar Port Handles 25.18 Million Tonnes of Cargo in FY 2026–27

Summary

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority handled 25.18 million tonnes of cargo up to October 2026 in FY 2026–27, marking a 3.01% increase over the corresponding period last year. The Port also recorded growth in container traffic, higher fertiliser and coal volumes, its highest-ever single-day cargo handling and new operational records across container terminals and rail-based cargo movement.

Article

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Records Cargo Growth in FY 2026–27

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority crossed the 25-million-tonne cargo-handling milestone on 24 October 2026, supported by higher cargo volumes and operational gains across several segments.

The Port handled 25.18 million tonnes of cargo up to October 2026 in FY 2026–27, representing a 3.01% increase from 24.44 million tonnes during the corresponding period of the previous financial year. Container traffic rose by 1.76% to 5.02 lakh twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), compared with 4.94 lakh TEUs a year earlier.

Coal handling increased by 13.47%, rising from 9,217.90 tonnes to 10,459.94 tonnes. Fertiliser volumes also increased, reaching 5.70 lakh tonnes against 2.33 lakh tonnes in the corresponding period last year.

Port Sets Single-Day Cargo and Vessel Records

On 5 September 2026, the Port handled 2.17 lakh tonnes of cargo in a single day, surpassing its previous record of 2.16 lakh tonnes.

The Port also received M.V. CMA CGM THORIUM, measuring 335.23 metres in length, making it the longest vessel handled at the facility to date.

Container and Multipurpose Terminals Report New Benchmarks

Terminal operations recorded further milestones in September 2026. Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT), operating at Berth No. 9, handled 33,771 TEUs across 32 vessels during the month, its highest monthly throughput.

At JSW Tuticorin Multipurpose Terminal, coal discharge reached 43,052 tonnes in 24 hours, exceeding the previous record of 41,853 tonnes.

Rail-Based Fertiliser Movement Reaches New Highs

Rail-based fertiliser transportation also registered new records. On 29 September 2026, the Port achieved its highest single-day fertiliser loading by rail, moving 8,061 tonnes for FACT, KRIBHCO and IPL.

Separately, Raja Agencies recorded its highest single-agent fertiliser dispatch, transporting 6,376.9 tonnes in 100 railway wagons. The consignments were destined for locations including Haveri, Sannath Nagar, Bellari and Katpadi.

Port Authority Outlines Operational Priorities

Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, congratulated port users, shipping lines, terminal operators, trade partners, employees and other stakeholders on the achievements.

He said, “Crossing 25 million tonnes of cargo handling is an important milestone for the Port and reflects the collective efforts of our stakeholders. Our priorities remain improving operational efficiency, strengthening rail and maritime connectivity, expanding infrastructure and facilitating seamless cargo movement. These efforts will further strengthen the Port’s contribution to India’s maritime trade and economic growth.”

FAQs

How much cargo did V.O. Chidambaranar Port handle in FY 2026–27?

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority handled 25.18 million tonnes of cargo up to October 2026, registering a 3.01% increase over the 24.44 million tonnes handled during the corresponding period of the previous financial year.

How much container traffic did the Port record?

Container traffic reached 5.02 lakh TEUs, up 1.76% from 4.94 lakh TEUs in the corresponding period last year.

What was the Port’s highest single-day cargo-handling record?

The Port handled 2.17 lakh tonnes of cargo on 5 September 2026, exceeding its previous record of 2.16 lakh tonnes.

Which was the longest vessel handled at V.O. Chidambaranar Port?

M.V. CMA CGM THORIUM, measuring 335.23 metres in length, became the longest vessel handled at the Port to date.

What operational records were set by the Port’s terminals?

TICT handled 33,771 TEUs across 32 vessels in September 2026, while JSW Tuticorin Multipurpose Terminal discharged 43,052 tonnes of coal in 24 hours.

What was the highest single-day rail-based fertiliser loading recorded?

The Port recorded 8,061 tonnes of single-day fertiliser loading by rail on 29 September 2026 for FACT, KRIBHCO and IPL. Raja Agencies separately dispatched 6,376.9 tonnes in 100 railway wagons.