VOC port achieves record growth in windmill blade handling

VOC Port has achieved a new milestone in handling windmill blades, underscoring its growing role in supporting India’s renewable energy supply chain. In July 2025, the Port handled 343 windmill blades, marking an impressive 90.56% increase compared to 180 blades during the same month last year. The Port also managed eight vessels carrying windmill blades and related accessories — double the number handled in July 2024.

Windmill blade operations are primarily carried out at Berths VOC-3, VOC-5, and VOC-6, where the Port deploys two crawler cranes and three harbour mobile cranes to ensure the safe and efficient handling of these massive components.

To accommodate the growing volume of wind energy cargo, VOC Port has developed a dedicated storage facility spanning 100,000 square metres within the customs-notified area, complete with an exclusive gate for blade movement. This specialized infrastructure allows for smooth, secure, and congestion-free operations while ensuring timely vessel turnarounds.

Well-planned internal road networks further enhance operational efficiency, allowing oversized cargo to be transported safely and without delay. A highly trained workforce oversees the delicate loading and unloading process, ensuring that the blades and accessories are handled with precision.

The windmill blades handled at VOC Port are manufactured in Bengaluru, Trichy, and Chennai, and are exported to major renewable energy markets including the United States, Turkey, Australia, Spain, Finland, and other European nations.

Commenting on the achievement, Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of VOC Port, said the surge in windmill blade handling reinforces the Port’s position as India’s leading hub for wind energy exports. He added that VOC Port is now developing a dedicated terminal exclusively for windmill blades and components, aimed at further strengthening its capabilities in handling renewable energy cargo and supporting India’s clean energy ambitions.