V.O. Chidambaranar Port is set to increase its capacity to better serve trade demands. During the financial year 2024-2025 (up to December 19), the port has handled a cargo volume of 29.70 million tonnes including 5.62 lakhs TEUs of the containers marking an overall growth of 1.87% and 6.74% respectively.

To support the growing cargo handling requirements, the port has launched strategic capacity augmentation and cargo evacuation initiatives. As part of efforts to boost the container trade, the port’s third container terminal operated by JM Baxi group was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on September 16.

In its bid to further enhance the bulk cargo handling the north cargo berth-III with an overall length of 306 metres is set to be dredged by the port by February, 2025.

Additionally to accommodate larger ships with a beam of 49 metres and overall length of 366 metres, the port has undertaken the widening of its entrance channel. To accommodate additional bulk and break bulk cargo ships the port has initiated a proposal for construction of Berth no 10 at an estimated cost of ₹80 crore. Further to handle windmill blades and accessories proposed, the port has proposed to construct an exclusive terminal for handling windmill blades and accessories with an overall length of 470 metres and backup area of 30 hectares.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of VOC Port Authority, said, “With the advantage of being all weather port and strategic location close to the East-West International sea route, the VOC port has an immense potential to become the gateway of south India.”