V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority at Tuticorin achieved a major milestone on December 21, 2025, when M.V. MSC Michaela berthed at its Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal, becoming the largest container vessel ever to call at the port. The ship, measuring 304 metres in length overall (LOA) and a beam of 40 metres, carries 6,724 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), marking the highest container carrying capacity handled at VOC Port to date.
MSC Michaela arrived from the Port of Colón, Panama, and is scheduled to sail next to Colombo, Sri Lanka. During its call, the vessel handled nearly 3,977 TEUs, including imports, exports, restows, and transshipment cargo.
Upgrades such as deepening the maximum draft to 14.20 metres, widening the turning circle, and adding powerful tugs have enabled the port to handle such mega container vessels smoothly and safely.