The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has reached a significant milestone with the North Cargo Berth–III, now ready for interim commercial operations. Operated by JSW Tuticorin Multipurpose Terminal, this facility can efficiently discharge dry-bulk cargo such as coal, limestone, gypsum, rock phosphate, and copper concentrate using two mobile cranes, each with a capacity of 120 tonnes.
Stretching 306 meters and with a draft of 14.20 meters, North Cargo Berth–III can accommodate vessels with a deadweight tonnage of 95,000. A concession agreement has been signed for its mechanization, expected to enhance capacity to 7 million tonnes per annum by March 2027. Recent dredging completed in just 26 days allows fully loaded Panamax vessels to dock, while ongoing work aims to widen the inner harbor’s turning circle and channel to accommodate larger vessels.
The port’s link conveyor system enhances efficiency by discharging over 1,500 tonnes of bulk cargo per hour, optimizing TANGEDCO’s coal berth operations. Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit emphasized the importance of this facility in modernizing and boosting maritime trade through VOC Port, urging stakeholders to leverage this advanced infrastructure.
