V.O. Chidambaranar Port’s international container terminal on Saturday commenced a new feeder shuttle service connecting Thoothukudi and Colombo.

The terminal, operated by JM Baxi Group, has launched the service that is aimed at further strengthening maritime connectivity and enhancing the trade opportunities for exporters and importers in the region.

The service was inaugurated by Rajesh Soundararajan, Deputy Chairperson, VOC Port Authority. C. Deep Kishore Reddy, terminal head, Thoothukudi International Container Terminal, Samantha Gurusingh, ship’s master, and and other officials from the port authority and representatives from shipping fraternity were present.

The Panama-flagged vessel M.V. Serene Ingrid, with a capacity of 669 TEUs and 60 reefer points, will handle 169 TEUs from Thoothukudi to Colombo on its first voyage. The shuttle service operating between Thoothukudi and Colombo has been scheduled for two port calls per week at Thoothukudi, with sailing from VOC Port on Tuesday and Friday, and from Colombo on Wednesday and Saturday.

The service also accepts dangerous goods cargo, thereby offering greater flexibility to the trade.

Speaking on the service, Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, VOC Port Authority, said the addition of new feeder service reflects the port authority’s continuous commitment to expand container shipping connectivity, enhance service offerings and support the growth of EXIM trade through VOC Port.

“With the addition of the upcoming third container terminal at berth no 7, the VOC Port will have a combined container handling capacity of 1.8 million TEUs and the outer harbour project with 5.2 million TEUs will further reinforce V.O. Chidambaranar Port’s position as the hub of container handling in the East Coast of India,” Mr. Purohit said.