VOC Port sets new record with 2.17 lakh tonnes in a day

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority recorded its highest-ever single-day cargo handling of 2,17,332 tonnes on 5 September, surpassing its previous record of 2,16,631 metric tonnes set on 18 February this year, marking a new benchmark in the port's cargo-handling performance.

The record day's cargo mix included 62,466 tonnes of coal, 49,067 tonnes of thermal coal, 20,671 tonnes of limestone, 10,188 tonnes of sulphuric acid, 5,400 tonnes of palm oil, 1,771 tonnes of sugar, 774 tonnes of general cargo, 68 tonnes of windmill blades, and 66,927 tonnes of containerised cargo, amounting to 3,348 TEUs.

The port's cargo-handling performance has stayed strong through the current financial year. It handled 35.35 lakh tonnes of cargo in August, up from 32.33 lakh tonnes in August last year, a growth of 9.36 per cent. Cumulatively between April and August this year, the port handled 18.27 million tonnes of cargo, against 17.89 million tonnes over the same period last year, up 2.10 per cent.

The port credits part of this performance to its equipment upgrades, with two Harbour Mobile Cranes of 124-tonne capacity each stationed at North Cargo Berth-3, and seven more Harbour Mobile Cranes deployed across Berths 1 to 7, which the authority says has strengthened its ability to handle higher cargo volumes efficiently.

VOC Port is also pursuing several infrastructure projects to expand capacity further, including upgrading Berth No. 7 into a modern container terminal, developing Multi Cargo Berth No. 10, mechanising North Cargo Berth-III for dry bulk handling, and adding a further 40-acre customs bond area to expand cargo storage, handling and evacuation facilities.

Port chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit congratulated the port's officers, staff and stakeholders for the milestone, and said the upcoming infrastructure projects would allow VOC Port to further scale up its cargo throughput and strengthen its position as a major maritime gateway on India's east coast, contributing to trade and the regional economy.

The port authority said its efforts align with the government's Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision and Maritime India Vision 2030, aimed at establishing India as a global maritime power and advancing the Blue Economy by 2047, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.