Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar Visits VOC Port, Takes Stock of Ongoing Projects

Thoothukudi:

Port Wings News Network:

As part of his port visit, Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, on 20 October 2026 reviewed major infrastructure projects and green maritime initiatives at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Thoothukudi.

During the visit, the Secretary inspected the Green Hydrogen Pilot Plant, wind energy facilities and pilot methanol bunkering and refuelling infrastructure. The programme also included the inauguration of shore power facilities, additional mooring infrastructure and other operational improvements, alongside initiatives supporting cleaner port operations.

The Secretary also flagged off 13 electric (EV) trucks at TICT as part of the port’s green initiatives and presented awards recognising excellence and outstanding achievements in port operations and development.

The Secretary reviewed the port’s Digital Twin and Port GPT initiatives and held discussions with terminal operators, traders and other maritime stakeholders. Port-led industrialisation and the proposed mega greenfield shipbuilding cluster also featured in the discussions, reflecting the effort to connect maritime infrastructure with wider industrial development.

The investments are expected to create opportunities for exporters, logistics operators, shipping companies and manufacturing industries across southern Tamil Nadu. Improved access for larger vessels, additional container capacity and specialised energy infrastructure could also strengthen the region’s ability to attract new industrial investments.

The projects form part of the Union Government’s wider maritime development priorities under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims to expand India’s shipping capabilities, modernise port infrastructure and strengthen the country’s position in global maritime trade.

The Government of India is spearheading a maritime infrastructure investment programme worth over ₹18,400 crore at VOC Port, Thoothukudi, reinforcing southern Tamil Nadu’s role in the country’s international trade, industrial development and emerging green energy economy.

Over a span of approximately six months, three major projects have been taken forward at the port – the ₹17,167-crore Outer Harbour Development Project, the ₹520-crore Berth No. 7 container terminal and a proposed ₹750-crore offshore wind terminal. The projects, being advanced through public investment and public-private partnership models, represent a major concentration of maritime infrastructure investment in the region.

The investment push comes as the Union Government seeks to expand India’s port capacity, accommodate larger international vessels and strengthen the logistics infrastructure supporting manufacturing and exports.

The Outer Harbour Project, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in September, accounts for the largest share of the investment. It envisages new deep-water harbour infrastructure and container terminals capable of handling some of the world’s largest container ships. The project is expected to strengthen Thoothukudi’s prospects as an international container gateway and improve shipping connectivity for industries across southern India.

The development of Berth No. 7, involving approximately ₹520 crore, will further augment the port’s existing container handling capacity. Meanwhile, the proposed ₹750-crore offshore wind terminal will provide specialised infrastructure to support India’s offshore renewable energy sector.

With investments spanning container terminals, deep-water infrastructure and renewable energy logistics, the Government of India’s development programme at Thoothukudi is set to strengthen southern Tamil Nadu’s role in India’s maritime and industrial economy.

Besides senior officials from the port, Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, accompanied the Secretary during the port visit.