TUTICORIN

• INTUT
• Latitude: 8.78189
• Longitude: 78.1949
• East Coast India
• Port in India

Location: India

Tuticorin Port, also known as V.O. Chidambaranar Port, is one of the major ports in India. It is located in the city of Tuticorin in the state of Tamil Nadu. This port plays a crucial role in the maritime trade of southern India and has significant economic and strategic importance.

General Information:

• Location: Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India
• Coordinates: 8° 45' N, 78° 10' E
• Type: All-weather port
• Operational Since: 1974 (upgraded major port status in 1979)

Port Specifications:

1. Harbour:

   • Natural or Artificial: Artificial deep-sea harbor.
   • Channel Depth: Approximately 14.7 meters at the outer harbor, allowing for the berthing of large cargo vessels.

2. Berthing Facilities:

   • Number of Berths: The port has a variety of berths including general cargo berths, container berths, and specialized berths.
   • Types of Berths: Includes berths for containers, bulk cargo, dry cargo, liquid cargo, and break-bulk cargo.
   • Wharf Length: Total quay length is about 1,860 meters.
   • Draft: Ranges from approximately 10.7 to 14.7 meters, depending on the specific berth.

3. Cargo Handling:

   • Types of Cargo: Handles a wide variety of cargo including containers, coal, fertilizers, liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and general cargo.
   • Equipment: Equipped with modern cargo handling equipment such as mobile cranes, gantry cranes, forklifts, and conveyor belts.

4. Container Terminal:

   • Terminal Operators: Primarily operated by PSA SICAL Terminals Ltd.
   • Capacity: Designed to handle significant container traffic, with facilities for storage, stuffing, and de-stuffing of containers.
   • Container Yard: Large container stacking area with advanced management systems.

5. Storage Facilities:

   • Warehouses: Multiple warehouses with substantial storage capacities for different types of cargo.
   • Tank Farms: Facilities are available for the storage of liquid cargo, including petroleum products and chemicals.
   • Open Storage Area: Extensive open storage areas used for goods like coal, ore, and other bulk commodities.

6. Rail and Road Connectivity:

   • Rail Links: Direct rail connectivity to major railway networks of India, facilitating easy inland transportation of goods.
   • Road Links: Well-connected via national highways to various parts of Tamil Nadu and nearby states.

7. Support Services:

   • Bunkering: Fueling services for ships are available.
   • Ship Repair: Basic repair facilities are available within the port premises.
   • Pilotage and Tug Services: Pilotage is compulsory for navigation within the port, and tug services are available for berthing and unberthing operations.

8. Safety & Security:

   • ISPS Code Compliance: The port is compliant with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
   • Fire Services: Equipped with fire-fighting systems and emergency response services.

Economic and Strategic Importance:

• Trade Volume: Handles a significant share of India’s maritime trade, especially for the southern region.
• Exports: Major exports include textiles, agricultural products, granite, and seafood.
• Imports: Imports include machinery, chemicals, coal, petroleum products, and fertilizers.

Future Developments:

The port is continuously undergoing development projects to enhance capacity and efficiency. Plans include deepening of channels, modernization of cargo handling equipment, and expansion of storage facilities.

Tuticorin Port is thus a vital hub for maritime trade in India, offering comprehensive services and facilities catering to a variety of shipping needs.