V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port) held an interactive meeting with port users, terminal operators, Customs officials and other stakeholders on 8 September 2026 to discuss cargo growth, vessel connectivity, operational efficiency, infrastructure development and ease of doing business.
The meeting was chaired by Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority. Discussions focused on strengthening coordination between the Port and trade stakeholders and addressing operational requirements related to cargo movement, connectivity, supporting infrastructure and safety.
Focus on Mainline Vessel Connectivity
A major focus of the meeting was the expansion of mainline vessel connectivity and increasing container volumes through VOC Port.
The Port currently handles container vessels with capacities of around 5,000 TEUs. Discussions examined the measures required to facilitate the introduction of larger mainline vessels of around 12,000 TEU capacity at Tuticorin.
Container terminal operators informed participants that plans are being pursued to introduce mainline vessel services to Tuticorin in the coming months. Such services would provide direct connectivity to key markets in Europe and the United States.
The Chairperson highlighted the Integrated Incentive Scheme 2026–28, under which eligible concessions of up to 90 per cent are available to support the introduction of such services. He also assured stakeholders of the Port Authority’s support and encouraged them to consolidate cargo volumes and facilitate additional mainline and ad-hoc vessel calls.
Technology and AI in Port Operations
During the interaction, the Chairperson briefed port users on VOC Port’s infrastructure capabilities, recent developments, ongoing projects and future plans.
He also highlighted the increasing use of technology and artificial intelligence-enabled applications in port operations, as the authority works to improve operational processes and efficiency.
Additional Container Scanners and Electric Trailers
The meeting also addressed infrastructure requirements arising from rising container volumes and increased scanning requirements.
The Port Authority assured stakeholders that additional container scanners would be commissioned to support cargo processing requirements.
Alternative power supply arrangements for operational requirements will also be examined wherever feasible. The Port Authority is further proceeding with the introduction of electric trailers as part of its operational infrastructure initiatives.
New Truck Parking Terminal Planned
Shri T. Ramesh, Senior Deputy Traffic Manager, informed participants about the proposed additional Truck Parking Terminal near the Port link road.
The facility is planned over approximately 50,000 square metres and is expected to provide additional space for truck movement, cargo aggregation and evacuation.
The initiative is aimed at supporting the movement of trucks as container and other cargo volumes increase at the Port.
Multi Cargo Berth No. 10 Nearing Completion
The meeting was also informed that the development of Multi Cargo Berth No. 10 is nearing completion.
The berth has a cargo-handling capacity of 10.22 million tonnes and is expected to add further capacity to VOC Port’s cargo-handling infrastructure.
Monthly Safety Training for Port Users
Safety and operational preparedness were also discussed during the meeting.
The Chairperson announced that regular monthly training programmes would be conducted for port users to strengthen safety awareness and preparedness across the port ecosystem.
The programmes are intended to improve coordination and safety preparedness among stakeholders involved in port operations.
Port Authority Seeks Greater Stakeholder Coordination
Emphasising continued engagement with trade and industry, Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit said coordinated efforts among the Port Authority, port users, terminal operators and concerned agencies would be central to increasing cargo volumes, strengthening vessel connectivity and improving the overall competitiveness of the Port.
He encouraged stakeholders to make effective use of the Port’s infrastructure, facilities and incentive schemes and assured continued support from the Port Authority towards improving operational efficiency, safety and ease of doing business.
Shri Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson; Shri J. Kingston Neel Durai, Deputy Conservator; Shri A. Ramasamy, Chief Mechanical Engineer; Shri T. Ramesh, Senior Deputy Traffic Manager; Shri Sandeep Alluri, Senior Deputy Chief Accounts Officer; and Shri Balaji Ratnam, Superintending Engineer, participated in the meeting.
Representatives of port users, terminal operators, Customs and other stakeholders also attended the interaction.
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