VOC Port Registers Phenomenal Growth in Cargo Handling, Records 9.4% Increase in Container Traffic

Tuticorin:

Port Wings News Network:

V.O.Chidambaranar Port, the vibrant seaport in the southern part of India, continues to demonstrate strong and consistent growth in cargo handling.

In this financial year, up to January 2026, the Port has handled 35.97 million tonnes of cargo, registering a growth of 6% compared to 33.94 million tonnes handled during the corresponding period of the previous financial year.

This achievement represents handling of over 2.00 million tonnes of cargo when compared to last year, underscoring the Port’s robust cargo handling performance.

Adding to this momentum, the Port registered a historic milestone in the month of January 2026 by handling 4.00 million tonnes in a single month bettering the previous best of 3.95 million tonnes handled in March 2024.

RECORD INCREASE IN CONTAINER TRAFFIC

The Port also recorded a 9.40 % increase in container traffic, with the two Container terminals handling 7,16,105 TEUs of containers up to January in this financial year 2025-26, compared to the 6,54,590 TEUs handled in the corresponding period of the previous financial year.

In this Financial Year up to January 2026, the Port has witnessed significant growth in cargo handling across major commodities. Industrial Coal recorded a growth of 12.78%, Construction Materials 92.10%, Rock Phosphate 12.65%, Fertilizers 40.12%, Fertilizer Raw Materials 11.51%, Edible Oil 17.52%,, reflecting the Port’s expanding trade volumes and diversified cargo profile.

These remarkable performances have been further strengthened by strategic infrastructure enhancements like additional harbour mobile cranes, operationalization of North Cargo Berth‑III, induction of 4th high power tug, and expanded cargo storage facilities, significantly boosting cargo handling efficiency and turnaround time of ships.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, remarked that the record achievement reflects the Port’s robust performance, operational efficiency, and dedication to serving its stakeholders.

He highlighted that the Port would continue to prioritize infrastructure development, ease of doing business, digitalisation, and green initiatives to reinforce its position as a key driver of maritime trade and economic growth in the region.

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