VOC Port receives first clinker vessel

This supports efforts to promote coastal shipping.

VOC Port has received the first clinker consignment in line with the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Ambuja Cement Limited, Gujarat.

This development is part of the Minimum Guaranteed Tonnage-based Incentive Scheme for coastal clinkers. The MoU ensures coastal movement of 250,000 metric tonnes of clinker annually.

The vessel MV Lima Trader, which berthed at NCB-II, carried 56,440 metric tonnes of coastal clinker from Sanghi Port, Gujarat. The vessel was received by M/s Seaport Shipping as the ship agent and is being handled by M/s Seaport Logistics as the stevedore.

The clinker will be transported by road to Ambuja’s grinding unit at Mela Arasadi, Tuticorin, located around 24 km from the Port, for further processing into cement.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, chairperson at IRSEE, said this landmark shipment is a major step toward sustainable and cost-effective coastal transportation, aligning with the Government of India's vision for promoting coastal shipping.

He also noted that more clinker vessels under this MoU are expected to call at the Port in the coming months, further strengthening cargo volumes and reinforcing the Port and industry partnership.