<p data-path-to-node="5">Demonstrating rising operational efficiency across India’s major gateway ports, the <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="103">V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority</b> in Tuticorin has achieved a <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="171">14.1% reduction</b> in its median vessel turnaround time (TRT).</p><p data-path-to-node="6">The operational benchmark reflects a comprehensive review of vessel management workflows, streamlined pilotage protocols, and accelerated cargo handling across major vessel types calling at the port. The efficiency gain directly lowers logistics expenses for shipping lines and cargo owners while supporting national efforts under the Sagar Mala initiative to optimize port performance.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="8"><b data-path-to-node="8" data-index-in-node="0">Broad-Based Efficiency Gains, Pre-Berthing Reductions, and Trade Benefits</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="9">The reduction in turnaround duration spans diverse cargo segments and terminal operations:</p><ul data-path-to-node="10"><li><p data-path-to-node="10,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Across-the-Board Improvement:</b> The performance boost was recorded across dry bulk, liquid bulk, and containerized cargo handling, improving overall berth utilization rates and vessel dispatch speeds.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Pre-Berthing Detention Drop:</b> Complementing the TRT gains, the port registered significant reductions in pre-berthing waiting times for both port-account and non-port-account vessels through synchronized tug assistance, optimized anchorage allocation, and 24/7 navigation services.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Container Terminal Productivity:</b> Container vessel turnaround times improved to 17.52 hours (down from 19.20 hours in the previous review period), keeping VOC Port on par with leading global container handling standards.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,3,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Lowering EXIM Costs:</b> Faster vessel turnarounds lower berth hire and equipment demurrage costs for shipping lines, enabling quicker cargo evacuation for regional export-import (EXIM) hubs in southern Tamil Nadu and adjacent hinterlands.</p></li></ul><h3 data-path-to-node="12"></h3>