Thoothukudi VOC Port achieves another milestone in handling of bulk cargo

The Hindu

06-05-2025

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has achieved another major milestone by enhancing bulk cargo handling as the North Cargo Berth–III operated by JSW Tuticorin Multipurpose Terminal is ready for interim commercial operations.
The terminal can discharge dry-bulk cargo such as coal, limestone, gypsum, rock phosphate and copper concentrate with two 120 tonnes capacity harbour mobile cranes.
The 306 metres long, 14.20 metres draft, North Cargo Berth–III facilitates berthing of 95,000 Dead Weight Tonnage vessels of maximum LoA of 260 metres and beam of 48 metres. The concession agreement has been signed between the Port and JSW Tuticorin Multipurpose Terminal for mechanisation of North Cargo Berth–III. On mechanization by March 2027, JSW Tuticorin Multipurpose Terminal will be capable of handling 7 million tonnes of bulk cargo per annum.
The dredging in front of the North Cargo Berth-III was carried out from April 5 and completed in a span of just 26 days enabling berthing of fully loaded Panamax vessels with draft of 14.20 metres. At present, dredging is being carried out in the turning circle of the inner harbour to widen its diameter from 488 metres to 550 metres and will be completed during this month.
Further, the channel will be widened from 153 metres to 230 metres, facilitating berthing of larger size bulk carriers and container vessels.
The Link Conveyor System, connecting Tuticorin Thermal Power Station's conveyor belt to the Port's coal yard can discharge over 1,500 tonnes of bulk cargo per hour. This initiative optimizes the capacity of the fully mechanized TANGEDCO's coal berth with a draft of 14.20 meters, a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 80,000 tonnes, and accommodating vessels up to 230 meters in length.
Chairman, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority Susanta Kumar Purohit, in a statement said the readiness of NCB-III Berth for handling dry bulk cargo marks a significant step in the Port's drive toward modernization and dry bulk cargo capacity enhancement.
'I urge all stakeholders and trade partners to fully utilize this state-of-the-art facility to boost bulk cargo operations and support the growth of maritime trade through VOC Port,' he added.