V. O. C. Port completes dredging and enhances its capacity to handle big ships

V. O. C. Port adopts sustainable use of dredged material.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

V. O. Chidambaranar Port has successfully completed a major dredging in front of North Cargo Berth-III deepening a draft to 14.20 meters. Additionally, the port has also widened the turning circle diameter of the inner harbour from 488 meters to 550 meters. The dredging project commenced on April 5 and was completed on May 16, according to a press release from the port authority.

The dredged material consisting of calcareous sandstone and calcarenite totalled approximately eight lakh cubic meters resulting in the formation of 11.5 hectares of new land designated for efficient cargo storage.

V. O. C. Port has undertaken multiple capital dredging projects in the years 1999, 2010, 2015 and 2018 to enhance the draft of various berths, the approach channel and the turning circle. These initiatives have resulted in reclamation of approximately 146 hectares of land. Notable reclaimed areas include the Tuticorin International Container Terminal and the Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE and Chairperson of V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority highlighted that the strategic utilisation of dredged material has significantly contributed to the creation of valuable land for new berths and storage yards. He emphasised that this approach not only supports environmental conservation by reducing ecological impact but also enhances efficiency by lowering dependence on conventional construction materials.