VOC Port to open Facilitation Centre in Coimbatore to Reach Out it’s Stakeholders
Coimbatore, India – 12 September 2025: V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port hosted a successful Trade Meet in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu on 12th September 2025 to address concerns of its stakeholders and extend its support in the light of recent changes in the international trade.
The VOC Port in Tuticorin, is reaching out to its stakeholders – exporters and importers to address their concerns through setting up a dedicated facilitation desk and providing reliefs like 50 percent VRC rebate, extended free storage days and DPE facility. This is an example of government institution’s adoption of new ways of business.
Chairman highlighted key initiatives
Speaking to stakeholders, Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of VOC Port, emphasised: “We are starting a dedicated Facilitation Desk in Coimbatore, designed to streamline operations and provide comprehensive support to our stakeholders. We are committed to enhancing cost efficiency and convenience for our traders. This includes a 50% rebate on Vessel Related Charges for coastal imports from Kandla and extended free storage days for coastal containers.”
The trade meet served as a platform for VOC Port to engage with key business partners and explore strategies for sustainable trade growth. The event drew approximately 100 participants, including Port officials, terminal representatives, members of Coimbatore trade associations, exporters, importers, and key decision-makers from various industry associations and chambers of the region.
Infrastructure Expansion Strengthens VOC Port’s Global Competitiveness
During the meet, VOC Port highlighted its robust infrastructure and recent capacity enhancements. The commissioning of three berths in last one year including the NCB-3 berth dedicated by Hon’ble Prime minster Sh. Narendra Modi in July 25 and Tuticorin International Container Terminal by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, has significantly strengthened the Port’s operational capabilities. Combined with the Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminals, the Port’s two container terminals now offer a total capacity exceeding 1 million TEUs, with a draft of 14.20 metres, enabling the accommodation of vessels up to 8,000 TEUs. The terminals achieve an impressive throughput of over 30 container moves per hour, aligning with global benchmarks.
Key highlights of the discussion included the increased container handling capacity through the new terminal and Direct Port Entry (DPE) facilities; existing coastal and international services; daily connections to Colombo with the least dwell time; competitive Vessel Related Charges (VRC) compared to Cochin Port; a 50% VRC rebate for coastal imports from Kandla; extended free storage days for coastal containers; the establishment of a Facilitation Desk in Coimbatore, particularly in light of tariffs; and upcoming infrastructure projects.
The 24/7 DPE facility for export containers, commissioned in April 2025, is set to handle an additional 50,000 TEUs annually, providing a substantial boost to container exports. VOC Port’s container terminals provide direct mainline connectivity to ports in the Far East, Middle East, and onward to the West, complemented by extensive coastal links and daily sailings to Colombo with minimal dwell time. Recently, the Port has introduced various concessions on VRC and shifting charges for container vessels to attract greater volumes.