THOOTHUKUDI : The Government of India is spearheading a maritime infrastructure investment programme worth over ₹18,400 crore at V.O. Chidambaranar Port (VOC Port), Thoothukudi, reinforcing southern Tamil Nadu’s role in the country’s international trade, industrial development and emerging green energy economy.

Over a span of approximately six months, three major projects have been taken forward at the port – the ₹17,167-crore Outer Harbour Development Project, the ₹520-crore Berth No. 7 container terminal and a proposed ₹750- crore offshore wind terminal. The projects, being advanced through public investment and public-private partnership models, represent a major concentration of maritime infrastructure investment in the region.

The investment push comes as the Union Government seeks to expand India’s port capacity, accommodate larger international vessels and strengthen the logistics infrastructure supporting manufacturing and exports. Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi, during his address in Chennai on 11 October 2026, highlighted the Centre’s decision to invest approximately ₹17,000 crore in developing VOC Port into a world-class mega container port and green energy hub. The Prime Minister emphasised that the project would enable the world’s ultra-large container vessels to call at Thoothukudi and help Tamil Nadu develop as a global centre for industry and transportation.

The Outer Harbour Project, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in September, accounts for the largest share of the investment. It envisages new deep-water harbour infrastructure and container terminals capable of handling some of the world’s largest container ships. The project is expected to strengthen Thoothukudi’s prospects as an international container gateway and improve shipping connectivity for industries across southern India.

The development of Berth No. 7, involving approximately ₹520 crore, will further augment the port’s existing container handling capacity. Meanwhile, the proposed ₹750-crore offshore wind terminal will provide specialised infrastructure to support India’s offshore renewable energy sector.

The developments formed the backdrop to the visit of Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, who reviewed major infrastructure projects and green maritime initiatives at VOC Port on Tuesday.

During the visit, the Secretary inspected the Green Hydrogen Pilot Plant, wind energy facilities and pilot methanol bunkering and refuelling infrastructure. The programme also included the inauguration of shore power facilities, additional mooring infrastructure and other operational improvements, alongside initiatives supporting cleaner port operations. The Secretary also flagged off 13 electric (EV) trucks at TICT as part of the port’s green initiatives and presented awards recognising excellence and outstanding achievements in port operations and development.