Electric transfer vehicles flagged off
Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT) at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port has been declared a “green terminal” after electrifying 100% of its operational equipment, according to an official statement. Union Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar made the declaration during a review of ongoing projects at the port worth about Rs 18,000 crore. The announcement was made on 22 October 2026.
On Tuesday, the Secretary flagged off 13 electric Internal Transfer Vehicles (E-ITVs) to support cleaner container handling at the terminal.
Port profile
VOC Port Chairman Sushanta Kumar Purohit said the port has an annual cargo capacity of 82 million tonnes. He described it as one of India’s oldest operational ports, with trade links dating to 123 AD. The port is also developing social facilities for employees, including a golf course and a Kendriya Vidyalaya.
Green infrastructure reviewed
The Secretary reviewed the port’s green infrastructure, which includes:
- A pilot methanol bunkering and refuelling facility
- A green hydrogen pilot project
- Wind energy facilities, put at over Rs 18,400 crore in the statement
Outer harbour project
The review also covered the outer harbour project, costing over Rs 15,000 crore. The statement says it will add 4 million tonnes a year of cargo capacity and aims to make Tamil Nadu a major transhipment hub for southern India.
Why it matters
Electrifying all operational equipment at a container terminal cuts diesel use and local emissions from yard and quay operations. It also positions the port as a cleaner gateway as shipping lines and cargo owners look for lower-carbon supply chains. The tag covers the terminal’s equipment, and does not say anything about the fuel used by visiting ships. VOC Port’s broader plans on methanol, hydrogen and the outer harbour show it is trying to pair green credentials with larger transshipment capacity.
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