The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Thoothukudi has introduced 10 days of free storage for eligible laden export-import containers handled through mainline vessel services, while adding 40,000 square metres of space for container storage and stacking.
The facility came into effect immediately and will remain valid until March 31, 2027, according to a statement issued by the port authority. From the 11th day, storage charges will apply according to the port’s prevailing scale of rates.
The additional space has been divided between two locations within the port. The authority has earmarked 20,000 square metres at the seventh berth and another 20,000 square metres near the 10th berth. The areas are intended to support containers arriving through mainline vessel services.
The concession is available to mainline vessel operators, terminal operators, major industries, freight forwarders, customs brokers, non-vessel operating common carrier operators and other eligible stakeholders. Its use will remain subject to port regulations, space availability and operational convenience.
The port said the measure was intended to make container handling through mainline services more convenient for shipping lines, industries and logistics intermediaries, and to encourage greater export-import container traffic through the facility. The decision combines a direct reduction in storage costs for the initial 10-day period with additional physical capacity inside the port.
The free-storage provision applies only to mainline vessel services covered under Schemes 1, 2 and 2A specified in the port’s trade notice dated May 6, 2026. Stakeholders have been advised to refer to the port’s trade notice dated September 23, 2026, for detailed applicability conditions.
The move places the port’s container-handling capacity and commercial terms at the centre of its effort to attract more mainline services. For exporters, importers and logistics intermediaries, the operational benefit will depend on eligibility under the specified schemes, available space and compliance with the port’s conditions.
The facility will remain in force through March 31, 2027, unless modified under the port’s regulations. Detailed operating conditions are set out in the September 23 trade notice.
