Tuticorin international terminal to handle 600,000 TEUs

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal dedicated the Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT) to the nation at the VO Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) today.

“With a deep draft of more than 14 metres and a berth over 300 metres long, this terminal will play a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of the V.O.C. port,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said via a video message.

Prime Minister Modi further added that the new terminal is expected to reduce logistics costs at the port and save foreign exchange for India.

Sonowal also flagged off the maiden container vessel from TICT, says an official release. "The port has been developed with an investment of more than ₹434 crore, with a capacity to handle 600,000 TEUs annually. The terminal has a draft of 14.20 metres which allows it to accommodate container vessels of up to 10,000 TEUs."

Sonowal inaugurated the newly constructed green hydrogen project, which he dubbed as a "major step towards realising PM Narendra Modi’s vision of making India global hub of Green Hydrogen." He also inaugurated a 400 kW rooftop solar power plant, and witnessed exchange of land lease agreements for new ventures.

"This new terminal will reduce delays, bypass transshipment and economise operations by saving up to $ 200 per container. This will optimise our cost of operation by up to $4 million annually," Sonowal said.

Tuticorin International Container Terminal, VOCPA’s third terminal, is operated by JM Baxi Group, the release added.