V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) has crossed the 25-million-tonne cargo-handling milestone on October 24, 2026, registering growth in cargo and container traffic while setting new records in vessel handling, terminal throughput and rail-based fertiliser movement during FY 2026–27.
The Port handled 25.18 million tonnes of cargo through October 2026, up 3.01% from 24.44 million tonnes in the corresponding period of the previous financial year. Container traffic also recorded growth, rising 1.76% to 5.02 lakh twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), compared with 4.94 lakh TEUs a year earlier.
Among major cargo segments, coal handling increased by 13.47%, rising from 9,217.90 tonnes to 10,459.94 tonnes. Fertiliser handling rose significantly to 5.70 lakh tonnes from 2.33 lakh tonnes during the corresponding period last year.
New Records in Cargo and Vessel Handling
The Port achieved its highest-ever single-day cargo handling of 2.17 lakh tonnes on September 5, 2026, surpassing its previous record of 2.16 lakh tonnes. It also handled M.V. CMA CGM THORIUM, measuring 335.23 metres in length, making it the longest vessel handled at the Port to date.
Terminal operations delivered further milestones in September. Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT), operating at Berth No. 9, handled 33,771 TEUs across 32 vessels, achieving its highest-ever monthly throughput.
Meanwhile, JSW Tuticorin Multipurpose Terminal discharged 43,052 tonnes of coal within 24 hours, exceeding its previous record of 41,853 tonnes and demonstrating improved cargo-handling capacity.
Rail-Based Fertiliser Movement Sets New Benchmarks
The Port also recorded significant achievements in rail-based fertiliser transportation. On September 29, 2026, it registered its highest-ever single-day fertiliser loading by rail, at 8,061 tonnes, for FACT, KRIBHCO and IPL.
In a separate achievement, Raja Agencies set a single-agent dispatch record by moving 6,376.9 tonnes of fertiliser in 100 railway wagons. The consignments were dispatched to destinations including Haveri, Sannath Nagar, Bellari and Katpadi, highlighting the Port’s role in supporting efficient inland cargo connectivity.
Focus on Efficiency and Infrastructure Development
Congratulating port users, shipping lines, terminal operators, trade partners, employees and other stakeholders, Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, said the milestone reflected the collective efforts of the Port community.
“Crossing 25 million tonnes of cargo handling is an important milestone for the Port and reflects the collective efforts of our stakeholders. Our priorities remain improving operational efficiency, strengthening rail and maritime connectivity, expanding infrastructure and facilitating seamless cargo movement. These efforts will further strengthen the Port’s contribution to India’s maritime trade and economic growth,” he said.
The latest performance highlights V.O. Chidambaranar Port’s continued focus on operational efficiency, infrastructure development and multimodal connectivity, supporting the growth of cargo and container traffic and strengthening its role in India’s maritime logistics network.