Visakha Container Terminal (VCT)
About VCT
VCT is a container terminal in Andhra Pradesh, India, operated by J M Baxi Ports & Logistics. It has an installed capacity of 1.3 million TEUs and handled 0.75 – 0.85 million TEUs in FY25.
As of early 2026, Visakha Container Terminal (VCT), commonly known as VCT, is the premier deep-water container gateway on India’s East Coast. Following the full operationalisation of its Terminal 2 (T2) expansion, the facility has become a high-capacity regional transhipment hub. Originally a joint venture with DP World, it is now fully managed by the J M Baxi Group. In 2024, Visakhapatnam Port (anchored by VCTPL) was ranked 19th globally in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), making it India’s most efficient container port. VCTPL is a major call for the Indusa Service, CIX (China-India Express), and IEX (South East India–Europe Express). The major lines operating are Maersk, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, and ONE. The shipping lines offer direct weekly calls to the Far East (Singapore, Port Klang, and Shanghai), the Middle East (Jebel Ali), and Europe (Rotterdam and Antwerp). It also serves as a transhipment hub for feeders from Kolkata, Haldia, Paradip, and Chittagong.
Key figures in detail
- Installed capacity: 1.3 million TEUs (Post-T2 expansion in 2022)
Equipment
- 7 Post-Panamax Rail-Mounted Quay Cranes (RMQCs)
- 19 Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGCs)
- Reach Stackers (5 units) and Empty Container Handlers (ECH)
- 3 Internal Transfer Vehicles (ITVs)
- 2 Weighbridges (60 MT and 100 MT)
Facilities & infrastructure
- A continuous 845 meters across three berths
- Deep natural draft of 16 meters (capable of 17m), the deepest among Indian Major Ports
- 650+ plug points for temperature-controlled cargo
- 4,412 ground slots with dedicated hazardous cargo areas
- VCTPL utilises Navis SPARCS N4 for real-time vessel, rail, and yard planning. In 2025, the terminal further integrated SAP B-One and upgraded its Automated Gate Complex with OCR technology. It is fully EDI-enabled, connecting seamlessly with ICEGATE and the Port Community System (PCS)
Why shippers choose VCT
- Only terminal on the East Coast with natural deep draughts capable of handling 16,000+ TEU vessels without tidal restrictions
- Strategically located for Bay of Bengal transhipment (Kolkata/ Bangladesh/Myanmar)
- The primary and most efficient gateway for Nepal’s third-country trade
- Offers a dedicated 1.5-km flyover for bypass traffic, ensuring rapid truck turnaround
- VCTPL has pioneered this “higher loadability” model to serve the industrial hinterland and landlocked neighbours
Shipping lines & services
Hinterland connectivity
Rail & road
Rail movement is a significant part of VCT’s evacuation strategy. CONCOR operates most of the rakes serving Northern India and Nepal. As of January 2026, VCTPL has consolidated its position as a major hub for Double Stack Container Trains on India’s East Coast. J M Baxi’s own rail wing and other private players operate dedicated “Double-Stack” rakes. These operators provide “Fixed Day” departures for Nepal-bound cargo under the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS). It is the primary gateway for ICD Birgunj (Nepal) and ICDs in NCR, Nagpur, and Hyderabad.
CFS & warehousing
Services an extensive network of over 12 CFSs in the EXIM Park
Throughput FY22–FY25
Units: Lakh TEUs (as reported).
Frequently asked questions
Who operates VCT?
VCT is operated by J M Baxi Ports & Logistics.
What is the capacity of VCT?
Installed capacity is 1.3 million TEUs. Throughput in FY25 was 0.75 – 0.85 million TEUs, or 60-65% utilisation.
What is the port code for VCT?
The UN/LOCODE-style port code is INVTZ.
Where is VCT located?
VCT is located at Opposite Town Hall, Next to Fishing Harbour, Beach Road, Visakhapatnam 530001, Andhra Pradesh.
How is VCT connected by rail and road?
Rail movement is a significant part of VCT’s evacuation strategy. CONCOR operates most of the rakes serving Northern India and Nepal.
Which CFS facilities serve VCT?
Services an extensive network of over 12 CFSs in the EXIM Park
In the news
Classification
Source: South Asia Container Market Report 2026, p. 38. Last updated Jan 2026.
