V.O. Chidambaranar Port has achieved a historic milestone by successfully berthing the 335.23-meter-long CMA CGM Thorium, the longest vessel handled at the port to date. This feat follows significant upgrades to the port's marine infrastructure.
- V.O.C. Port successfully handled the 335.23-meter-long CMA CGM Thorium vessel.
- This sets a new record, surpassing the previous 304-meter record from December 2025.
- Key upgrades include an increased draft of 14.2 meters and a wider turning circle of 550 meters.
- The vessel arrived from Santos, Brazil, and is heading to Singapore.
Thoothukudi: In a massive leap for regional maritime logistics, the V.O. Chidambaranar (V.O.C.) Port has demonstrated its enhanced capabilities by handling the M.V. CMA CGM Thorium. The vessel, measuring 335.23 meters in length, arrived from Brazil and represents the longest container ship ever berthed at the port.
This achievement marks a significant jump from the previous record of 304 meters set by the M.V. MSC Michaela in December 2025. The ability to accommodate ships that are over 31 meters longer within just nine months underscores the rapid infrastructural evolution occurring at the facility.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this expansion is critical for India's positioning in the global maritime hierarchy. By accommodating mega-vessels, V.O.C. Port reduces the need for transshipment at other hubs, directly lowering logistics costs and improving the speed of trade for South Indian industries.
The strategic expansion of draft and turning capacity at V.O.C. Port is a clear signal to global shipping giants that India is ready for large-scale maritime commerce.
The breakthrough is a direct result of targeted marine infrastructure and navigational improvements. Port officials confirmed that the permissible draft has been increased to 14.2 meters, and the turning circle has been widened from 488 meters to 550 meters. Furthermore, the induction of two additional tugs has ensured safer and smoother berthing operations for these massive structures.
The M.V. CMA CGM Thorium is a technologically advanced 13,000-TEU-class vessel. It features a beam of 51 meters and possesses the dual capability of operating on both methanol and conventional marine fuel, aligning with modern green shipping standards. During its call at the Tuticorin International Container Terminal, it is scheduled to handle 3,276 TEUs.
Vessel Length Comparison
| Parameter | Previous Record (Dec 2025) | New Record (Sept 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Vessel Name | M.V. MSC Michaela | M.V. CMA CGM Thorium |
| Total Length | 304 meters | 335.23 meters |
| Growth in Length | - | +31.23 meters |
Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairman of V.O.C. Port, emphasized that the focus over the past year has been on strengthening marine infrastructure. He noted that the priority now shifts toward leveraging this enhanced capability to attract more large-vessel calls and strengthen connectivity with international trade routes.
The port's growth is also reflected in its cargo statistics. For the current fiscal year up to August 2026, the port has handled 3.67 lakh TEUs, showing a steady increase compared to the previous year's 3.62 lakh TEUs, alongside a 2.10% rise in overall cargo traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much larger is the new vessel compared to the previous record?
The new vessel is 31.23 meters longer than the previous record-holder, the M.V. MSC Michaela.
2. What infrastructure changes allowed this record to be set?
The port increased its permissible draft to 14.2m, widened the turning circle to 550m, and added two new tugs.
