Why VOC port needs an outer harbour
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 13)
| Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure |
| Context |
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Need for an Outer Harbour
- The size of container ships has increased significantly, with some extending over 400 meters and carrying 22,000 TEUs.
- VOC port can currently handle only half this capacity, making an outer harbour necessary for handling larger vessels.
- Modernizing the inner harbour alone is not sufficient to meet future demand.
Alignment with the Sagarmala Scheme
- The outer harbour will allow VOC port to handle 14,000-TEU Neo Panamax and other large vessels.
- This will help VOC port leverage its proximity to international sea routes and become a key trade hub.
- By 2044, container traffic at the port is expected to grow to 8-4.3 million TEUs from 0.74 million TEUs in 2023-24.
Delays and Infrastructure Challenges
- The inner harbour’s draught is being increased from 14.2 m to 15.5 m to accommodate larger ships.
- Plans for a new transshipment port at Kanyakumari have been delayed due to multiple factors.
- The lack of a backup area in the inner harbour limits its potential as a container yard.
Potential Impact of the Sri Lanka Crisis
- The economic crisis in Sri Lanka has affected port operations in Colombo, creating an opportunity for VOC port.
- If developed on time, VOC port could attract more mainline vessels and transshipment business.
- The second phase of the outer harbour project will enable handling vessels requiring an 18-m draught.
Reducing Transshipment Costs
- 65% of containers from Thoothukudi are currently transshipped at Colombo.
- Exporters and importers pay $150 per TEU and face a week-long transit delay due to this dependency.
- Developing VOC port as an alternative to Colombo will reduce costs and save foreign exchange.
Industrial Growth and Future Prospects
- Several industries, including solar manufacturing, vehicle production, and space technology, have emerged near the port.
- The increase in cargo volume from these industries highlights the need for port expansion.
- The outer harbour project has faced multiple delays since its approval in 2005, resulting in lost economic opportunities.
| V. O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port |
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| Practice Question: Discuss the significance of the V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in India’s maritime trade and its potential as a transshipment hub. What challenges does the port face in handling larger vessels, and how can infrastructure development address these challenges? (150 Words /10 marks) |
