VOC Port Boosts South China Links as DBGT Hosts Mainline Vessel Nawata Bhum
Tuticorin:
Port Wings News Network:
V.O. Chidambaranar Port’s Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal (DBGT) on 18 October, 2026, received the mainline shipping vessel M.V. Nawata Bhum, further strengthening the Port’s maritime connectivity with South China and Vietnam through enhanced mainline shipping services and creating new trade opportunities for exporters and importers in the region.
The Singapore-flagged vessel, with a container capacity of approximately 1,100 TEUs, a length overall (LOA) of 147.82 metres and a beam of 23.38 metres, with transit times of 13 days from Qinzhou to Tuticorin and 12 days from Haiphong to Tuticorin.
The service follows a port rotation from Qinzhou (China) →Haiphong (Vietnam) →Tuticorin (India) →Kattupalli (India) →Chu Lai (Vietnam) →Qinzhou (China). The service is operated by Regional Container Line (RCL), with Chakiat Shipping Services Pvt. Ltd. Tuticorin, as the vessel agent.
Initially, the service will operate on a bi-weekly schedule, with plans to scale up to weekly frequency based on market demand from exporters and importers. Furthermore, this service offers shipping lines and Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) an additional transshipment option to route their outbound export cargo through Kattupalli Port.
HANDLED 4.42 LAKH TEUS UP TO SEPTEMBER 2026
V.O. Chidambaranar Port, one of the fastest-growing major ports in the country, handled 4.42 lakh TEUs of container traffic up to September 2026 in the Financial Year 2026-27, registering a growth of 3.18% compared with 4.28 lakh TEUs handled during the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal (DBGT), with a 335.5-metre berth, a draft of 14.2 metres and annual container-handling capacity of 6 lakh TEUs, provides container-handling facilities at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, supporting regional and international maritime connectivity.
The addition of the new mainline shipping service is expected to enhance the Port’s connectivity with South China and Vietnam, expand market access and create additional opportunities for export-import (EXIM) trade, especially the Solar panel, Electronic Vehicle manufacturing and other industries located in the hinterland of the Port.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, stated, “The arrival of the mainline container vessel M.V. NawataBhum marks a significant step in strengthening the Port’s regional maritime connectivity with South China and Vietnam. Such services expand market access and facilitate EXIM trade.”
“With the upcoming third container terminal at Berth No. 7 and the Outer Harbour project, the Port is poised to enhance its container-handling capacity, attract more shipping services and further strengthen its position as a major container hub on India’s east coast,” added Susanta Purohit.
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