V.O. Chidambaranar Port | 24 Feb 2026

Source: PIB

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways inaugurated and laid the foundation for infrastructure and green energy projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.

• VOC Port: Originally known as Tuticorin Port, it was renamed in 2011 to honor V.O. Chidambaranar, the legendary freedom fighter who launched the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company in 1906 to challenge the British maritime monopoly.
  • VOC Port is an artificial, all-weather deep-sea port located on the Coromandel Coast, playing a pivotal role in India’s maritime trade with the Mediterranean region, Europe, and the United States.
• Location: VOC Port, located on the Coromandel Coast in the Gulf of Mannar, is an artificial, all-weather deep-sea port strategically positioned near the East–West international sea route, giving it a strong advantage in India’s trade with the Mediterranean, Europe, and the US.
• Sheltered Waters: VOC Port is naturally sheltered from storms and cyclones due to the presence of Sri Lanka to its southeast.
• Port Modernaisation:  It is the first Indian port to produce and use green hydrogen on-site, with a pilot project active since late 2025.
  • It is the first in India to deploy a Digital Twin platform, creating a real-time virtual replica of port operations for predictive maintenance and data-driven optimization.
  • In February 2026, it became the first Indian port to implement an advanced anti-drone system using radar and radio frequency technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure.
• Cultural Preservation: The VOC Maritime Heritage Museum serves as a cultural landmark, highlighting the maritime history of the Coromandel Coast.
• Outer Harbour Project: Current expansions aim to handle larger vessels and mega-carriers, positioning the port as a future transshipment hub of South India.