VOC Port handles record 2.17 lakh tonnes of cargo in a single day

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port) recorded its highest-ever single-day cargo handling of 2,17,332 tonnes on September 5, 2026, surpassing its previous record of 2,16,631 tonnes achieved on February 18, 2026.

The latest throughput included a mix of bulk, liquid and containerised cargo. Coal accounted for 62,466 tonnes, followed by thermal coal at 49,067 tonnes and limestone at 20,671 tonnes. Other cargo included sulphuric acid (10,188 tonnes), palm oil (5,400 tonnes), sugar (1,771 tonnes), general cargo (774 tonnes) and windmill blades (68 tonnes).

Containerised cargo contributed another 66,927 tonnes, equivalent to 3,348 TEUs, taking the port’s total single-day handling to the new record.

VOC Port records cargo growth in FY2026-27

The port has also reported year-on-year growth in cargo volumes during the current financial year. In August 2026, VOC Port handled 35.35 lakh tonnes, compared with 32.33 lakh tonnes in August 2025, representing growth of 9.36%.

Between April and August 2026, cumulative cargo throughput stood at 18.27 million tonnes, up from 17.89 million tonnes during the corresponding period of the previous financial year. This represents a growth of 2.10%.

The port’s cargo mix and increased throughput have been supported by its existing cargo-handling infrastructure, including harbour mobile cranes deployed across its berths.

Two harbour mobile cranes, each with a handling capacity of 124 tonnes, are positioned at North Cargo Berth-3. Seven additional harbour mobile cranes are deployed across Berths 1 to 7.

VOC Port expands cargo-handling infrastructure

VOC Port is undertaking several infrastructure projects aimed at increasing cargo-handling capacity and improving cargo movement.

Berth No. 7 is being upgraded into a container terminal, while Multi Cargo Berth No. 10 is planned as the next development. The port is also mechanising North Cargo Berth-III to facilitate dry bulk cargo handling.

In addition, a 40-acre Custom Bond Area is being developed to increase cargo storage, handling and evacuation capacity.

These projects are expected to support higher cargo volumes and improve the movement of cargo through the port as additional infrastructure becomes operational.

Commenting on the milestone, Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, said: “with the completion of the upcoming infrastructure facilities, VOC Port will further scale up its cargo-handling throughput and strengthen its position as a major maritime gateway on the East Coast, contributing significantly to the growth of trade and the regional economy.”