On October 18, 2026, V.O. Chidambaranar Port’s Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal (DBGT) received the mainline shipping vessel M.V. Nawata Bhum, further strengthening the Port’s maritime connectivity with South China and Vietnam through enhanced mainline shipping services and creating new trade opportunities for exporters and importers in the region.

The Singapore-flagged vessel, with a container capacity of approximately 1,100 TEUs, a length overall (LOA) of 147.82 metres and a beam of 23.38 metres, shall  handle containerised cargo, with transit times of 13 days from Qinzhou to Tuticorin and 12 days from Haiphong to Tuticorin.

The service follows a port rotation from Qinzhou (China) Haiphong (Vietnam) Tuticorin (India) Kattupalli (India) Chu Lai (Vietnam) Qinzhou (China). The service is operated by Regional Container Line (RCL), with Chakiat Shipping Services Pvt. Ltd. Tuticorin as the vessel agent.

Initially, the service will operate on a bi-weekly schedule, with plans to scale up to weekly frequency based on market demand from exporters and importers. Furthermore, this service offers shipping lines and Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) an additional transshipment option to route their outbound export cargo through Kattupalli Port.

Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, stated, “The arrival of the mainline container vessel M.V. NawataBhum marks a significant step in strengthening the Port’s regional maritime connectivity with South China and Vietnam. Such services expand market access and facilitate EXIM trade."