V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), Tuticorin, has reached a major milestone with the floating of the tender for its ambitious Outer Harbour Development Project under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).
The project, aligned with the Government of India’s maritime development vision, is being taken forward under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, with guidance from Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, and continued support from the Ministry.
The Outer Harbour Development Project envisages the creation of two state-of-the-art deep-draft terminals, each with a 1,000-metre quay length and an 18-metre draft. Once completed, the terminals are expected to significantly enhance the port’s cargo handling capacity, enable the berthing of larger next-generation vessels, and strengthen India’s integration with global trade routes.
The development is also expected to play a key role in boosting logistics efficiency, supporting regional industrial growth, and advancing India’s broader maritime and port-led economic ambitions.
According to the port authority, bidding documents will be available from 26 December 2025 to 9 February 2026, marking the formal start of the procurement process for this landmark infrastructure project.
With the launch of this tender, V.O. Chidambaranar Port takes a decisive step towards becoming a major deep-draft gateway on India’s east coast, reinforcing the country’s vision of a modern, globally competitive maritime sector.