Latest news with #SusantaKumarPurohit
The Hindu
05-08-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
VOC Port handles 15 million tonnes of cargo this fiscal
The V.O. Chidambaranar Port crossed the 15-million tonne mark in cargo handling in this financial year on August 3. This milestone has been achieved 11 days ahead as compared to the previous financial year. An official statement said the port had handled 2,98,107 TEUs of containers up to August 3 this financial year, registering a growth of 9.75% compared to the 2,71,620 TEUs handled during the corresponding period of the previous financial year. The major commodities that contributed to this achievement include coal, limestone, salt, rock phosphate, edible oil, and construction material. The rapid growth in exports from Tiruppur, Coimbatore, and Karur has increased the container volumes. The operationalisation of North Cargo Berth-III for handling bulk cargo, which was recently dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 26, is another major contributor to the port's improved performance. The port's primary hinterland has been witnessing rapid industrialisation with the proposed man-made fiber factory by a Singapore-based firm, footwear manufacturing facility to be set up by a South Korean firm in Tirunelveli disrtict coupled with new investments in defence and space technology. Start-ups too augur well for VOC Port's cargo handling. 'Hence, the cargo handling of VOC Port in near future will scale greater heights,' said Port Chairman Susanta Kumar Purohit, who congratulated all stakeholders and trade partners for their continued support and contribution towards this significant achievement, the statement said.
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
V.O.C. port becomes India's first plastic-free port
V.O. Chidambaranar Port has been declared India's first 'plastic-free' port, according to a press release from V.O.C port authority. At the World Environment Day event held on Thursday on the port premises in Thoothukudi, Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, VOC Port Authority, and B. Kasiviswanathan, Chairperson, Cochin Port Authority, had jointly unveiled a plaque officially declaring V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority as a 'plastic-free zone'. The release said reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability, the port is upgrading its administration office to meet green certification standards. A 1 MW solar power project is in execution and a 2 MW battery storage system is under active consideration. Additionally, the tendering process has commenced for a 6 MW wind power project and green methanol bunkering facilities. Plans are also underway to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NTPC for the development of an additional 1 MW of green hydrogen plant. Collaborative studies on green corridors are progressing with the European Union and the ports of Singapore and Rotterdam, in coordination with Deendayal Port Authority. Speaking at the event, Mr. Kasiviswanathan emphasised the urgent need to adopt sustainability initiatives to restore and protect the environment. He commended the port for achieving India's first plastic-free port. He also distributed the prizes to the winners of various competitions organised by the port, as part of the 'World Environment Week'. In his address, the Chairperson of the V.O.C Port Authority highlighted the various green initiatives carried out by the port reflecting the port's strong commitment to protecting the environment and building a cleaner, greener future. The event was attended by Rajesh Soundararajan, Deputy Chairperson, P. Kavin Maharaj, Chief Vigilance Officer, and other senior port officials.
The Hindu
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Thoothukudi VOC Port achieves another milestone in handling of bulk cargo
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.
