India’s VOC Port receives first clinker vessel under Ambuja MoU

India’s VOC Port has received its first clinker vessel under the recently signed MoU with Ambuja Cement, marking an important step in boosting coastal cargo movement and strengthening domestic logistics. The agreement, signed on 19 November 2025, ensures the coastal transport of 2,50,000 metric tonnes of clinker every year through the Minimum Guaranteed Tonnage-based Incentive Scheme.

As part of this commitment, the vessel MV Lima Trader berthed at NCB-II on 24 November 2025 carrying 56,440 metric tonnes of clinker from Sanghi Port in Gujarat. The ship was received by Seaport Shipping as the agent, while Seaport Logistics is managing the stevedoring operations. After unloading, the clinker will move by road to Ambuja’s grinding unit at Mela Arasadi in Tuticorin, around 24 kilometres from the Port, for further processing into cement.

VOC Port Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit described the shipment as a major step towards sustainable and cost-effective coastal transportation, reflecting the Government of India’s push to promote coastal shipping. He added that more clinker vessels are expected to arrive in the coming months, which will help increase cargo volumes and reinforce collaboration between the Port and industry.