Last updated : August 13, 2026 7:28 am
Performance of V.O. Chidambaranar Port in FY 2025-26 with respect to cargo handling, revenue, and profitability? What's your expectation for FY 2026-27?
FY 2025-26 has been a landmark year for V.O. Chidambaranar Port. We achieved an all-time high cargo throughput of 43.3 million tonnes, registering a growth of about 3.8 per cent over the previous year's 41.7 million tonnes. This strong operational performance was complemented by healthy financial performance, with operating income recording a growth of about 5.3 per cent and net surplus after tax increasing by around 2.5 per cent over FY 2024-25. These results underscore the resilience of our cargo portfolio and the effectiveness of our business development initiatives.
Looking ahead, we are optimistic about furthering this growth momentum in this FY 2026-27, we have set a target of handling 46 million tonnes, representing a growth of nearly 6 per cent. On the financial front, we expect operating income to grow by around 10 per cent, while net surplus after tax is budgeted to increase by approximately 15 per cent. We expect this growth to be driven by capacity augmentation projects, increasing container traffic, strengthening of rail-based logistics, and continued engagement with trade and industry stakeholders to improve the cargo throughput through VOC Port.
VOC Port has been increasing its handling of cargo and TEU containers month after month. What was the total capacity handled during FY 2025-26 in terms of cargo and TEU containers, and what's your forecast for FY 2026-27? How is VOC Port adapting to increasing cargo volumes, keeping in view global trade demands?
FY 2025-26 was another strong year for container operations at V.O. Chidambaranar Port. We handled 8.6 lakh TEUs, registering an impressive growth of nearly 9 per cent over the previous year. This growth is particularly noteworthy considering the global geopolitical uncertainties witnessed in recent times.
For FY 2026-27, we are targeting container throughput of 9.5 lakh TEUs, representing a growth of around 10 percent. Given the industrial developments taking place across our hinterland and the increasing preference for Tuticorin as a gateway port, we are confident of achieving this target.
To cater to the increasing cargo volumes and evolving global trade requirements, we are adopting a phased capacity expansion strategy. In the near term, Berth No. 7 is being strengthened and dredged to 14.2 metres and will be commissioned during the current financial year. This will enhance the berth's capacity from 0.45 million TEUs to 0.6 million TEUs, adding 0.15 million TEUs of additional capacity to the port.
Over the longer term, we plan to deepen the Inner Harbour from the present 14.2 metres to 15.5 metres by 2031, which will enable all container terminals to handle larger vessels and significantly improve their throughput. Further, the proposed Outer Harbour project, whose Phase I is targeted for commissioning by 2030, will add about 5.2 million TEUs of container handling capacity.
What steps are being taken to modernise port facilities and improve efficiencies? Can you share key infrastructure projects planned by VOC Port in FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 and likely timeframe for completion of these projects, along with the amount to be invested in these projects?
Modernisation and capacity augmentation are at the core of our growth strategy. At V.O. Chidambaranar Port, we are focusing not only on adding capacity but also on enhancing operational efficiency and creating future-ready infrastructure that can cater to evolving trade patterns and larger vessels.
One of our key ongoing projects is the construction of multi-cargo Berth No. 10, which will add about 10.22 MTPA of capacity. The project is progressing well and is targeted for completion by December 2026. This will further strengthen our ability to handle diversified cargo streams.
To cater to the growing potential in the breakbulk and renewable energy sectors, we are also pursuing the development of a dedicated Windmill Terminal targeted for completion by 2030 and is expected to support cargo generated from the upcoming offshore wind projects along the east coast of Tamil Nadu.
Recognizing the increasing trend towards larger bulk vessels, we are undertaking strengthening and dredging works for Berths 3 and 4. Tenders have already been floated, and the project is targeted for completion by December 2026. These upgrades will enhance draft availability and enable the port to handle larger parcel sizes more efficiently.
Another major initiative is the mechanization of North Cargo Berth-III, which is expected to be completed by March 2027. Mechanization will significantly improve productivity, reduce vessel turnaround time, and enhance operational efficiency, particularly in bulk cargo handling.
In the medium and long term, we are also pursuing strategic projects such as deepening of the Inner Harbour to 15.5 metres and the development of the Outer Harbour, which is targeted for phased commissioning by 2030. These projects are aimed at accommodating larger vessels and positioning VOC Port as a major gateway and transshipment hub on the east coast.
Anticipated timeline and readiness plan for transitioning VOC Port to a full-fledged commercial green hydrogen facility? What is the investment planned for converting into a full-fledged commercial green hydrogen facility?
V.O. Chidambaranar Port has been designated as a green hydrogen hub and is actively laying the foundation for a full-fledged green hydrogen ecosystem. As part of this vision, around 206 acres of land have been allotted to various stakeholders for setting up green ammonia production facilities. Green ammonia, produced using green hydrogen, is emerging as a key zero-carbon marine fuel and a sustainable feedstock for the fertilizer and chemical industries. The first phase of commercial production is expected to commence by 2029.
On the demand side, VOC Port has signed an MoU with Tata Motors for the deployment of 40 green hydrogen-powered trucks. To support this initiative, a 2 MW green hydrogen refuelling station is currently under development and is expected to be operational by 2026.
Rather than developing the facilities entirely on its own, the Port is adopting an ecosystem approach by facilitating investments from multiple stakeholders. This strategy will enable VOC Port to evolve into a major green fuel and bunkering hub, supporting India's decarbonization goals and the transition towards sustainable maritime and industrial operations.
How is VOC Port integrating automation, AI, IoT, and Digital Twin to improve efficiency and reduce turnaround time for port operations?
Digital transformation drives V.O. Chidambaranar Port's modernization. By leveraging automation, AI, IoT, and Digital Twins, we improve efficiency, enhance situational awareness, and cut turnaround times. We proudly lead Indian Major Ports in adopting these innovations.
Our flagship Digital Twin platform creates a real-time virtual replica of the port to simulate operations and test infrastructure changes. By integrating live sensor data, it enables AI-driven berth allocation, automated delay alerts, and seamless coordination to streamline cargo handling and reduce vessel turnaround times.
We are upgrading our port with AI-powered computer vision to boost safety and efficiency. These smart surveillance cameras automatically detect hazards (fire, smoke, oil spills), monitor traffic and yard usage, and enforce PPE compliance with instant alerts. Automated gate checks for truck overloading and tarpaulins also minimize manual intervention.
The next phase of our IoT Digital Twin adds continuous equipment monitoring. By tracking critical assets like conveyors and cranes, real-time analytics enable predictive maintenance. This approach identifies potential failures before they occur, ultimately reducing downtime and maximizing asset reliability.
Another pioneering initiative is Port GPT, an AI-powered enterprise assistant designed to streamline employee workflows. It provides instant conversational access to live and historical data, including SOPs and cargo statistics. By instantly retrieving and analyzing information, the tool significantly boosts operational productivity and decision-making.
What initiatives have been taken to reduce carbon emissions, promote green shipping and become an environmentally sustainable port?
VOC Port is advancing green shipping by developing shore-to-ship power and India’s first green methanol bunkering terminal. The port also deploys smart resource management and expansive green cover. These sustainability achievements are projected to generate substantial revenue through the monetization of carbon credits.
What portion of your present energy requirements comes through renewable energy, and what's your plan and investment with respect to renewable energy?
VOC Port has become India's first Scope-2 Emission Free Port, certified by Bureau Veritas on 23 June 2026. This milestone was marked in New Delhi with Sarbananda Sonowal, India's Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Powered by a green portfolio—including 6 MW ground-mounted solar, 1.04 MW rooftop solar, and 2 MW wind energy—the port offset 94 per cent of its Scope 2 emissions in FY 2025-26, hitting a 100 per cent offset in Q4.
Going forward, we are further strengthening our renewable energy ecosystem through an additional 2 MW solar project, a 17 MW onshore wind project, a 5 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and a 6.25 MW offshore wind project. These initiatives will not only help us achieve complete energy self-sufficiency through green power but also reinforce VOC Port's position as one of India's leading green and sustainable ports.
How does VOC Port plan to integrate with multi-modal transport networks like rail and road? How are you enhancing these infrastructures going forward?
Multimodal connectivity drives the long-term growth strategy of V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port. With 76 per cent of EXIM cargo moving by road, the port relies on seamless highway networks to connect key industrial hubs. The successful transport of oversized cargo, like windmill blades from Bengaluru to Tuticorin, highlights the robustness of this road network.
With cargo volumes rising rapidly, road transport alone is no longer enough. Driven by the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, we are shifting toward a multimodal strategy that prioritizes efficient rail connectivity.
Building a container rail yard at Berths 8 and 9 is our immediate priority to connect key hinterland markets. Stakeholder feedback confirms strong demand for rail-based cargo from tertiary regions through VOC Port, which will cut logistics costs, enhance supply chain reliability, and lower emissions.
Our vision is to transform VOC Port into a truly multimodal logistics hub, where road, rail and maritime infrastructure complement each other, thereby enhancing efficiency, reducing logistics costs and supporting the growing trade and industrial ecosystem of Southern India.
How does VOC Port align with the Indian government’s Maritime India Vision 2030? What role does public-private partnership (PPP) play in the port’s growth strategy?
Maritime India Vision 2030 essentially covers all fronts of port-led development—cargo, infrastructure, green initiatives, and digital transformation. I would say VOC Port has been a frontrunner across all these dimensions and has consciously aligned its growth strategy with the Vision.
VOC Port drives growth through cargo diversification and multimodal Rail-Sea-Rail connectivity. Infrastructure upgrades—like Berth No. 10, channel widening, and the planned Outer Harbour—boost capacity for larger vessels. The port also champions green hydrogen and renewable energy, while digitalisation significantly enhances operational efficiency.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are core to the Maritime India Vision 2030, driving VOC Port's growth by securing private capital and expertise. Following the success of the Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT), the port is leveraging massive private investment for key projects: mechanizing NCB-III, redeveloping Berth No. 7 on a DBFOT basis, and constructing the multi-billion-dollar Outer Harbour.
VOC Port Authority becomes India’s First Port to initiate an anti-drone security system. How will it help in securing the port from external attacks?
As India’s first port to initiate an anti-drone security system, V.O. Chidambaranar Port is proactively addressing emerging aerial threats to critical maritime infrastructure. The anti-drone system provides an additional layer of security by enabling real-time detection, tracking, and classification of rogue drones operating in and around the port premises. This significantly enhances situational awareness and helps security agencies respond promptly to potential threats. As VOC Port continues to evolve into a smart and future-ready port, ensuring the security of our assets, vessels, cargo, and personnel remains a top priority.
VOC Port has been crowned 'Green Visionary' at India Maritime Week 2025 after securing investment pacts worth Rs. 88,883 crore? How are you planning to execute these projects phase-wise?
We are honoured to have been recognised as the ‘Green Visionary’ at India Maritime Week 2025. During the event, VOC Port signed 29 investment MoUs worth Rs 88,883 crore to build a future-ready maritime hub. These strategic partnerships target key sectors like green energy, shipbuilding, and logistics infrastructure.
We execute projects in phases, scaling based on demand. Initially, we prioritize high-value infrastructure—such as logistics parks, rail links, and maritime support—to boost the port ecosystem. Concurrently, we collaborate with stakeholders to expedite land allocation, utility setups, and statutory clearances for timely implementation.
Medium-term investments in green energy, bunkering, and industrial clusters will accelerate India’s decarbonization. These projects will generate strong synergies with our expanding cargo base and solidify our leadership in the emerging green maritime economy.
The long-term projects, including shipbuilding and repair facilities and other large-scale industrial investments, will be developed in phases based on market demand and investor requirements. We are adopting a collaborative approach with investors, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and other government agencies to ensure that these projects are executed efficiently and sustainably.
More importantly, we view these MoUs not merely as investment commitments but as the foundation for building an integrated maritime ecosystem around VOC Port. Our objective is to create world-class infrastructure, generate employment opportunities, promote green growth, and position Tuticorin as a major maritime gateway and industrial hub for the country.