New Tuticorin, India
New Tuticorin is a major deep-water port on India’s east coast, driving international trade and emerging as a key transshipment and green energy hub.
Port Overview
New Tuticorin, officially V.O. Chidambaranar Port, is located on the southeastern coast of India in Tamil Nadu, near the Gulf of Mannar. It ranks as the second-largest port in India and is the fourth-largest container terminal nationally. Strategically positioned close to the busy East-West international sea route, it serves as a key gateway for South India, offering direct container services to the US and Europe. The port handles approximately 7% of India’s container traffic, with an annual TEU capacity of around 800,000.
Facilities & Infrastructure
New Tuticorin (V.O. Chidambaranar Port) features two main container terminals: PSA SICAL and Dakshin Bharat Gateway, plus the new Tuticorin International Container Terminal with a 14.2 m draft and 300 m berth. Key cargo facilities include 14 berths for containers, coal, and oil, extensive storage areas, and a passenger terminal. Equipment includes all-electric quay cranes, reach stackers, and RTGs. The port is expanding green initiatives and can handle up to 6 million TEU annually. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are not currently reported.
Container Terminals
The Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT) is the port's third container terminal, featuring a 370-meter berth with 14.20-meter draft capable of handling vessels up to 10,000 TEUs. The terminal has an annual capacity of 600,000 TEUs and is operated by JM Baxi Group. It's equipped with three Rail Mounted Quay Cranes with twin-lifting capacity of 65 tons and 58-meter outreach. The facility was inaugurated in September 2024 with an investment of ₹434 crores, representing modern infrastructure development at V.O. Chidambaranar Port.
Port Services
Main services at New Tuticorin Port include:
- Container Handling: Equipped to handle significant container volumes.
- Cargo Operations: Supports various cargo types.
- Ship Services: Offers berthing and docking facilities.
- Warehousing: Provides storage solutions for cargo.
- Customs: Facilitates customs clearance for international trade.
Global Connectivity
New Tuticorin (V.O. Chidambaranar Port) offers direct mainline connectivity to major international shipping routes, linking with ports in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It serves the industrial and agricultural regions of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, providing seamless road, rail, and air access. Its strategic location on the East-West sea route enables efficient export-import operations to global markets without transshipment delays.
Port Statistics
New Tuticorin (V.O. Chidambaranar Port), India – Key Statistics
- TEU Throughput (FY 2024–25): 795,222 TEUs
- World Ranking: Not in the global top 50 container ports
- Number of Berths: 10 (with Multi-Cargo Berth No.10 under construction)
- Port Area: Approximately 8.6 hectares for new berths and storage yards
- Shipping Lines: Served by major global and regional carriers, including mainline and feeder operators
