Tue May 06 15:58:54 UTC 2025: **VOC Port in Tuticorin Expands Bulk Cargo Handling Capacity**
TUTICORIN, INDIA – May 6, 2025 – The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port) in Tuticorin, India, announced a significant expansion of its bulk cargo handling capabilities. The newly operational North Cargo Berth-III, operated by JSW Tuticorin Multipurpose Terminal, is now ready for commercial operations.
This new berth, measuring 306 meters long with a 14.20-meter draft, can accommodate vessels up to 95,000 deadweight tonnage. Equipped with two 120-tonne harbor mobile cranes, the terminal will efficiently handle dry bulk cargo including coal, limestone, gypsum, rock phosphate, and copper concentrate. By March 2027, following further mechanization, the terminal’s capacity will reach 7 million tonnes of bulk cargo annually.
Recent dredging projects, completed in a remarkably short 26 days, have enabled the berthing of fully loaded Panamax vessels. Further dredging is underway to expand the inner harbor’s turning circle and channel width, accommodating even larger vessels.
The enhanced capacity is further boosted by a new Link Conveyor System connecting the Tuticorin Thermal Power Station to the port’s coal yard, capable of discharging over 1,500 tonnes of bulk cargo per hour.
VOC Port Chairman Susanta Kumar Purohit hailed the development as a major step towards modernization and capacity enhancement, urging stakeholders to utilize the improved facilities to boost maritime trade.
First Piper 