V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port’s Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal (DGBT) received the mainline shipping vessel MV Nawata Bhum on Sunday, further strengthening the Port’s maritime connectivity with South China and Vietnam through enhanced mainline shipping services and creating new trade opportunities for exporters and importers in the region.
The Singapore flagged vessel , with a container capacity of around 1,100 TEUs , a length overall (LOA) of 147.82 metres and a beam of 23.38 metres, shall handle containerised cargo, with the transit time of 13 days from Qinzhou to Thoothukudi and 12 days from Hai Phong to Thoothukudi.
The service follows a port rotation from Qinzhou (China) to Hai Phong (Vietnam) to Thoothukudi to Kattupalli to Chu Lai (Vietnam) to Qinzhou (China).
The service will operate on a bi-weekly schedule, with plans to scale up to weekly frequency based on market demand from exporters and importers. In addition, this service offers shipping lines from Non Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) an additional transshipment option to route their outbound export cargo through Kattupalli port.
Chairperson of VOC Port Authority Susanta Kumar Purohit said: “The arrival of mainline container vessel MV Nawata Bum marks a significant step in strengthening Port’s regional maritime connectivity with South China and Vietnam.”
He added that such services expand market access and facilitate EXIM trade.
“With the upcoming third container terminal at Berth No 7 and the outer harbour project, the port is poised to enhance its container handling capacity, attract more shipping services and further strengthen its position as a major container hub on India’s east coast,” Mr. Purohit said.
Published - October 18, 2026 08:42 pm IST