The meeting was chaired by Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, who briefed participants on the Port’s infrastructure capabilities, recent achievements, ongoing development projects and future plans. He also highlighted the growing adoption of technology and AI-enabled applications across port operations.

A key focus of the interaction was strengthening mainline vessel connectivity and increasing container volumes through VOC Port. The Port currently handles container vessels of around 5,000 TEU capacity, while discussions explored measures to create the necessary conditions to attract larger mainline vessels of around 12,000 TEU capacity.      Container terminal operators informed the meeting that efforts are underway to introduce mainline vessel services at Tuticorin in the coming months. Such services are expected to strengthen direct connectivity with key markets in Europe and the United States.     The Chairperson highlighted the Integrated Incentive Scheme 2026–28, under which eligible concessions of up to 90 per cent are available to support the introduction of such services. He assured stakeholders of the Port Authority’s continued support and called upon them to consolidate cargo volumes and facilitate additional mainline as well as ad-hoc vessel calls.   The meeting also discussed several measures aimed at improving ease of doing business and strengthening supporting infrastructure. In view of rising container volumes and increased scanning requirements, the Port Authority assured stakeholders that additional container scanners would be commissioned.   The Port will also examine alternative power supply arrangements for operational requirements, wherever feasible, and proceed with the introduction of electric trailers as part of its efforts to promote more efficient and sustainable cargo movement.     Shri T. Ramesh, Senior Deputy Traffic Manager, informed participants about the upcoming additional Truck Parking Terminal, proposed over approximately 50,000 sq. metres near the Port link road. The facility is expected to ease truck movement and provide additional infrastructure for cargo aggregation and evacuation. He further informed that the development of Multi Cargo Berth No. 10, with a capacity of 10.22 million tonnes, is nearing completion, adding significant capacity to the Port’s cargo-handling infrastructure.     Safety and operational preparedness were also discussed during the interaction. The Chairperson announced that regular monthly training programmes for Port users would be conducted to strengthen safety awareness and preparedness across the port ecosystem.       Emphasising the importance of sustained engagement with trade and industry, Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit said coordinated efforts among the Port Authority, port users, terminal operators and other concerned agencies would be crucial to increasing cargo volumes, strengthening vessel connectivity and enhancing the overall competitiveness of VOC Port. He encouraged stakeholders to make effective use of the Port’s infrastructure, facilities and incentive schemes and assured continued support from the Port Authority towards improving operational efficiency, safety and ease of doing business.      Shri Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson; Shri J. Kingston Neel Durai, Deputy Conservator; Shri A. Ramasamy, Chief Mechanical Engineer; Shri T. Ramesh, Senior Deputy Traffic Manager; Shri Sandeep Alluri, Senior Deputy Chief Accounts Officer; and Shri BalajiRatnam, Superintending Engineer, participated in the meeting along with representatives of port users, terminal operators, Customs and other stakeholders.