V.O. Chidambaranar Port (VOC Port) Authority in Tuticorin has arranged an additional 90,000 square meters of land for shipping lines to store containers safely beyond free time limits. This proactive step addresses potential diversions due to the ongoing West Asia crisis, where containers are piling up at western Indian ports like JNPT amid Hormuz Strait disruptions.
Port Chairman Susanta Kumar Purohit announced the measure on March 12, 2026, during a PHDCCI conference on shipbuilding and recycling, noting close coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, terminal operators, and lines. As of now, the space remains unused since VOC operations have not been impacted, but it positions the port as a resilient alternative for East Coast logistics flows.
VOC Port, with an 82 MTPA capacity, expects 9-10% YoY growth in container traffic, leveraging its strategic location for exports from Tamil Nadu’s industrial hubs. This development eases supply chain pressures from regional conflicts, supporting seamless cargo handling for textiles, garments, and bulk commodities.
