V.O. Chidambaranar Port Handles 25.18 Million Tonnes of Cargo, Sets New Operational Records

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority crossed the 25-million-tonne cargo-handling milestone on 24 October 2026, supported by growth in cargo and container volumes and fresh operational records during FY 2026-27. Up to October 2026, the Port handled 25.18 million tonnes of cargo, registering a 3.01% increase over the 24.44 million tonnes recorded during the corresponding period of the previous financial year. Container traffic also grew by 1.76%, reaching 5.02 lakh TEUs against 4.94 lakh TEUs a year earlier.

Among the major cargo categories, coal handling increased by 13.47%, rising from 9,217.90 tonnes to 10,459.94 tonnes. Fertiliser handling climbed to 5.70 lakh tonnes from 2.33 lakh tonnes in the same period last year. On 5 September 2026, the Port achieved its highest-ever single-day cargo handling of 2.17 lakh tonnes, surpassing the previous record of 2.16 lakh tonnes. It also received M.V. CMA CGM THORIUM, measuring 335.23 metres, making it the longest vessel handled at the Port to date.

Terminal performance recorded further improvements in September 2026. Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT), operating at Berth No. 9, handled 33,771 TEUs across 32 vessels, achieving its highest monthly throughput. Meanwhile, JSW Tuticorin Multipurpose Terminal discharged 43,052 tonnes of coal within 24 hours, exceeding its previous record of 41,853 tonnes.

Rail-based fertiliser transportation also reached new highs. On 29 September 2026, the Port recorded its highest single-day fertiliser loading by rail, moving 8,061 tonnes for FACT, KRIBHCO and IPL. Separately, Raja Agencies established a single-agent dispatch record by transporting 6,376.9 tonnes of fertiliser in 100 railway wagons to destinations including Haveri, Sannath Nagar, Bellari and Katpadi.

Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, congratulated port users, shipping lines, terminal operators, trade partners, employees and other stakeholders on the achievements. He said, "Crossing 25 million tonnes of cargo handling is an important milestone for the Port and reflects the collective efforts of our stakeholders. Our priorities remain improving operational efficiency, strengthening rail and maritime connectivity, expanding infrastructure and facilitating seamless cargo movement. These efforts will further strengthen the Port's contribution to India's maritime trade and economic growth."