VOC Port with more infra projects to boost cargo handling

MADURAI: VO Chidambaranar Port has emerged as a model for swift and smart execution of infrastructure projects. The Thoothukudi-based seaport, the economic engine of south India has been making significant strides in cargo handling with the mission to handle 50 million tonnes of cargo and one million TEUs of containers this financial year.

To achieve this mission, infrastructure development at the port and to cater to the needs of the EXIM trade through VOC Port has been happening in a swift manner.

To serve the emerging industries in the primary hinterland of Thoothukudi, to the likes of Vinfast, one of the largest EV car manufacturer, Vikram Solar and Tata Solar, the manufacturers of solar power panels and accessories, furniture industry in the Furniture park of Thoothukudi SIPCOT, windmill blade industry and the probable industries like ship building, automobile accessory, the port has charted out various capacity augmentation and 'Ease of Doing Business' initiatives to meet their logistics needs, a statement said.

Plans are under way to strengthen and deepen the inner harbour berths to a draft of 14.20 metres. The construction of North Cargo Berth-4 with a overall length (LOA) of 400 meters would be used for the proposed Offshore Wind Terminal, and the development of Berth-10 as a multi-cargo berth would enhance the Port’s general cargo handling capabilities.

The port is also in the process of widening its entrance and dredging the approach channel to facilitate easy handling of fully loaded Panamax bulk cargo and container vessels.

Plans are also under way to establish VOC Port as a dedicated shipbuilding and ship repair facility on the east coast, further positioning it as a comprehensive maritime hub.

To meet the exponential growth of container traffic, the Port has proposed to develop 'Outer Harbour', featuring two container terminals with a capacity to handle four million TEUs of container traffic.