VOC port showcases growth in LPG

By Admin

28 Aug, 2025

VOC Port, one of southern India’s most vibrant seaports, has emerged as a key hub for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and liquid cargo handling. With robust infrastructure, steady growth in volumes, and ongoing expansion projects, the Port continues to strengthen its role in supporting the nation’s energy and industrial needs.

Strong Growth in LPG Handling

In the financial year 2025–26, VOC Port has registered a significant increase in LPG volumes. Up to July, the Port handled 1,33,520 tonnes of LPG, reflecting a 40.01% growth compared to the 95,364 tonnes managed during the same period in 2024–25.

The growth has been consistent over the past five years:

• 0.58 lakh tonnes in 2020–21
  
  

• 0.70 lakh tonnes in 2021–22
  
  

• 0.94 lakh tonnes in 2022–23
  
  

• 2.98 lakh tonnes in 2023–24
  
  

• 4.02 lakh tonnes in 2024–25
  
  

This steady trajectory highlights the Port’s increasing importance as a reliable LPG gateway for the region.

Advanced Infrastructure at the Oil Jetty

All LPG operations at VOC Port are efficiently carried out through the Oil Jetty, which is well-equipped to handle modern shipping requirements.

• Quay length: 150 metres
  
  

• Draft: 13 metres
  
  

• Vessel capacity: LOA between 150 and 230 metres
  
  

• Current DWT capacity: Up to 40,000 DWT
  
  

To further boost capacity, the Port is upgrading the facility by constructing new berthing dolphins, enabling it to handle vessels up to 55,000 DWT. This development will significantly enhance operational efficiency and cargo throughput.

Trusted by Leading Energy Companies

Several major companies rely on VOC Port for LPG handling, including:

• SHV Energy Pvt. Ltd.
  
  

• Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
  
  

• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (Tuticorin)
  
  

• SHV Gas Supply & Risk Management
  
  

Their consistent operations underscore the Port’s reliability in managing critical energy cargo.

Growth in Liquid Cargo Handling

Alongside LPG, VOC Port has recorded steady growth in overall liquid cargo volumes:

• 15.24 lakh metric tonnes in 2022–23
  
  

• 16.29 lakh metric tonnes in 2023–24
  
  

• 18.79 lakh metric tonnes in 2024–25
  
  

Cargo operations are carried out across VOC Berths 1 to 7, 10, 17, and the Coastal Berth. Key companies contributing to liquid cargo movement include Greenstar Fertilizers Limited, Southern Petrochemical Industries, DCW Ltd., K.T.V. Health Food Pvt. Ltd., and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

Leadership Perspective

Commenting on the Port’s achievements, Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, stated that the consistent growth in LPG and liquid cargo handling reflects VOC Port’s strong commitment to serving the nation’s energy and industrial sectors. He also emphasized that ongoing berth upgrades will allow the Port to handle both smaller and larger vessels, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in operations.

Conclusion

VOC Port’s impressive performance in LPG and liquid cargo handling, backed by infrastructure upgrades and trusted partnerships with major corporations, underscores its growing role as a strategic maritime hub. With a clear focus on efficiency, capacity enhancement, and stakeholder satisfaction, the Port is well-positioned to continue driving growth in India’s energy and trade sectors.