VOC Port to attract major industries, says Chairman

Further, the Chennai-Kanyakumari industrial corridor and the petroleum refinery and petrochemical products manufacturing industries have been proposed to be set up by a Kuwait-based firm in Thoothukudi.

To cope with the requirements of the upcoming industries, the port would augment infrastructure by converting the ninth berth into container terminal, dredge the approach channel, dock basin and water front of the ninth berth to a draft of 14.50 metres, and also facilitate  draft of 14.20 metres in the waterfront of North Cargo Berth-III, VOC Port Trust Chairman TK Ramchandran said on Sunday after unfurling the national flag on the occasion of the 71st Republic Day.

The Chairman, during his address, recalled the parliamentary form of government, as provided by the Constitution of India, aimed at having a positive effect on social and economic development of the nation.

While acknowledging the dedicated services, support and cooperation extended by the employees, officers, trade unions and stakeholders for the growth achieved by the port in the recent past, he sought the cooperation of the maritime community for fulfilling the port’s vision to become a pioneer in providing quality and efficient cargo handling facility in South India. During the programme, the Chairman released the port’s digital newsletter Korkai.

As a part of the programme, meritorious awards were distributed to the officers and staff of various departments of the port.  Traffic performance awards for the year 2018-19 were also distributed in recognition of exemplary performance of port users as steamer agents, stevedores, container operators, importers and exporters and business partners. Earlier, the Chairman took salute from a contingent of CISF, Port Fire Service and port school NCC children.