V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), Tuticorin, has achieved a major operational milestone by crossing 30 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo handling in the current financial year, reaching the mark on December 14. This is the fastest the port has achieved the milestone, accomplishing it a full week earlier than in the previous year.Port officials said the growth momentum remained steady throughout the year, with cargo throughput touching 10 MMT by June 26 and 20 MMT by September 21. The early achievement reflects improved operational performance and growing demand across diverse cargo segments handled at the port.Several commodities recorded strong year-on-year growth during the April–November 2025 period. Timber log traffic witnessed a surge of over 176%, while pulses cargo more than doubled with growth of around 110% compared to the corresponding period last year. Construction materials also showed robust performance, with volumes rising by nearly 142% year-on-year.Operational efficiency was further demonstrated at the NCB-II berth through a high-productivity bulk operation, where 38,319 metric tonnes of coal were discharged from the vessel MV Danae I within 24 hours. The achievement was enabled by the simultaneous deployment of two harbour mobile cranes and the effective use of newly developed backup storage space, significantly reducing vessel turnaround time.The port authority acknowledged the support of its trade partners, including Vijay Trading Company as stevedore and Ocean Masters Shipping Pvt. Ltd. as vessel agent, for their role in ensuring smooth and timely cargo operations.Alongside operational gains, VOC Port Authority continues to strengthen engagement with local industry. Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, VOC Port Authority, recently held discussions with the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tuticorin, to review upcoming industry interactions and identify areas of mutual interest, reaffirming the port’s commitment to collaborative growth and regional economic development.News source: Maritime Gateway