The Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT) at VO Chidambaranar Port (VOC Port), Tamil Nadu, was designated a green terminal on 22 October 2026 after all its operational equipment was electrified. The Union Shipping Secretary made the designation during a review of port projects. VOC Port has an annual cargo-handling capacity of 82 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
Electrification and Terminal Operations
TICT began operations on 16 September 2024 with all-electric cranes and reach stackers. On 20 October 2026, 13 electric Internal Transfer Vehicles (E-ITVs) were flagged off for container handling. Internal Transfer Vehicles move containers within a port terminal between operational areas, such as quays and storage yards. Electrifying terminal equipment replaces machinery powered by conventional fuels with electric equipment; the terminal’s green designation followed the electrification of 100 per cent of its operational equipment.
VOC Port and Green Infrastructure
VOC Port is located at Tuticorin, also known as Thoothukudi, on the Gulf of Mannar coast of Tamil Nadu. It is one of India’s major ports, and its trade links date back to 123 AD. The port is pursuing maritime infrastructure projects valued at more than ₹18,400 crore, including a pilot methanol bunkering and refuelling facility, a green hydrogen pilot project and wind energy facilities. Methanol bunkering means supplying methanol as fuel to ships. Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced using renewable energy to split water. VOC Port was recognised as India’s first major port to be Scope 2 emission-free on 10 August 2026 and holds ISO 50001:2018 certification for its Energy Management System.
Outer Harbour and Cargo Capacity
The outer harbour project at VOC Port is valued at more than ₹15,000 crore and is planned to add 4 MTPA of cargo-handling capacity. A separate review of ongoing port projects covered investments valued at ₹18,000 crore. The outer harbour project forms part of the port’s capacity expansion programme and is intended to support Tamil Nadu’s role as a transhipment hub in southern India.
Important Facts for Exams
- VOC Port is situated at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, on the Gulf of Mannar coast.
- TICT commenced operations on 16 September 2024 with all-electric cranes and reach stackers.
- VOC Port has an annual cargo-handling capacity of 82 MTPA.
- ISO 50001:2018 is an international standard for energy management systems.
The outer harbour project is planned to add 4 MTPA of capacity, while VOC Port’s total annual cargo-handling capacity is 82 MTPA.
