GANDHIDHAM: India’s first proposed Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla in Gujarat and V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, is set to receive a dedicated weekly container service, marking a significant step towards strengthening coastal cargo movement and promoting greener maritime transportation.
The Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Ltd. (IPRCL) has invited shipping companies to operate the proposed service between Deendayal Port Authority (Kandla) and VOC Port Authority, Thoothukudi.
The Kandla–Thoothukudi route was identified by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in 2025 as India’s first Coastal Green Shipping Corridor, to be developed in partnership with the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Deendayal Port Authority and VOC Port Authority. The initiative envisages facilitating cleaner coastal maritime transport while supporting the development of green-fuel infrastructure along the corridor.
Dedicated Two-Way Container Service
Discussions between VOC Port and SCI in June 2025 had identified potential cargo flows in both directions. These included raw cotton and chemicals from Gujarat, along with solar panels, tyres and machinery spares from Tamil Nadu.
Under the latest IPRCL tender, the selected operator will be responsible for arranging and operating dedicated vessels between Kandla and Thoothukudi and providing the return service to Kandla.
The proposed operation will require two container vessels, each with a minimum capacity of 1,000 TEUs, to maintain a weekly sailing frequency. The estimated round-trip voyage between the two ports is approximately 14 days.
Six-Month Initial Operation
The service is proposed to commence initially for a period of six months, with the possibility of extension up to two years, depending on cargo availability, operational requirements and satisfactory performance.
IPRCL has estimated the project cost at approximately ₹150 crore.
The selected shipping company will undertake the complete operational management of the service, including vessel and crew arrangements, scheduling and voyage management, bunker procurement, port agency coordination, and payment of port dues and marine service charges.
The operator will also coordinate cargo and terminal activities, including loading and unloading operations, commercial management of vessel slots and monitoring of cargo movement.
In addition, the selected company will work closely with customers and other stakeholders to generate cargo bookings and facilitate efficient movement of containers along the corridor.
Advancing Green Coastal Shipping
The proposed weekly service is expected to strengthen the maritime link between India’s western and southern coasts while creating a structured coastal route for two-way containerised cargo movement.
The initiative also forms part of the broader effort to develop green shipping corridors in India, combining regular coastal connectivity with the gradual adoption of cleaner fuels and supporting infrastructure.
