Odc cargo movements of major ports in Tamilnadu

Abstract

This research critically analyzes the management of Over-Dimensional Cargo (ODC) and Project Cargo at Tamil Nadu's principal ports—Chennai, V.O. Chidambaranar (Tuticorin), and Kamarajar (Ennore)—with respect to operational, infrastructural, regulatory, and economic aspects. ODC, defined by over-dimensional or weighty cargoes like wind turbine parts, power transformers, and industrial equipment, and Project Cargo, high-value cargoes for mega projects, are the key to Tamil Nadu's industrial expansion in renewable energy, automotive, and infrastructure sectors. The study uses a mixed-methods design, combining secondary data analysis (government reports, port statistics, industry publications), qualitative interviews with port executives and logistics managers, case studies, and real-time data from web sources and platforms such as X. The period covered is FY2020–2025, with historical background from the early 2000s and forecast to 2030.