V. O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority has on Friday introduced a 10-day free storage period for laden export-import containers handled through mainline vessels. For this purpose, the port authority has earmarked approximately 40,000 sq.m of additional space for container storage and stacking, as part of a move to facilitate and promote container traffic through the Port.
According to a press release, around 20,000 sq.m has been earmarked at the seventh berth and another 20,000 sq. m has been earmarked near the 10th berth. The additional space is intended to support the storage and stacking requirements associated with container cargo moving through mainline services.
Under the new provision, eligible laden EXIM containers handled through mainline vessels will receive a free storage period of 10 days. Storage charges will be levied thereafter in accordance with the prevailing Scale of Rates of VOC Port Authority.
The facility will be available to mainline vessel operators, terminal operators, major industries, freight forwarders, customs brokers, non-vessel operating common carrier operators and other eligible stakeholders, subject to port regulations.
By combining additional stacking space with an extended free-storage window, V. O. C. Port is seeking to make the movement of mainline container cargo through the Port more operationally convenient for shipping lines, industries and logistic intermediaries.
Published – September 25, 2026 08:03 pm IST
