VOC Port in India: Capacity Augmentation and Green Hydrogen Development
Key Ideas
- VOC Port in India has seen growth in cargo handling, with initiatives to enhance capacity and efficiency.
- Recent inauguration of the 3rd Container Terminal and dredging of North cargo berth show commitment to expansion.
- Plans for widening entrance channels, constructing new berths, and developing exclusive terminals signify future readiness.
- Focus on green hydrogen and ammonia facilities indicates a shift towards sustainable energy solutions and economic growth.
V O Chidambaranar Port, located in Southern India, has reported handling 29.70 million tonnes of cargo including 5.62 Lakh TEUs of containers in the financial year 2024-25. The port has shown a growth of 1.87% in cargo volume and 6.74% in container handling compared to the previous period. To boost container trade, the 3rd Container Terminal 'Tuticorin International Container Terminal' was inaugurated recently. Capacity augmentation projects include dredging the North cargo berth-III to handle larger vessels, mechanization of terminals, widening entrance channels, and constructing new berths. Plans for an exclusive terminal for windmill blades and accessories are in progress. The port is positioning itself as the Green Hydrogen/Ammonia hub of India by allocating land for manufacturing and storage facilities. A pilot project for Green Hydrogen production and a Green Hydrogen Pilot Bunkering Project are underway. The Chairperson of VOC Port Authority highlighted the port's advantages like strategic location, efficient logistics, and upcoming industries, emphasizing its potential to become the gateway Port of South India.