BL reported that Tuticorin Port celebrated its 34th Foundation Day on July 11 2008. Declared as a major port in 1974, the erstwhile anchorage port and the Tuticorin New Harbor were integrated in 1979 with the constitution of Tuticorin Port Trust Board.

Mr A. Subbaiah vice chairman of Tuticorin Port Trust said that a number of developments took place with the increase in traffic. From a modest 1.035 million tonnes during 1974 or 1975, the port has grown to handle 21.84 million tonnes during 2007 or 2008. It has secured the third position among the major Indian ports in terms of growth rate 19.33% during 2007 or 2008. It has handled 450,398 TEUs during 2007 or 2008, registering 19.44% growth.

Currently, under the National Maritime Development Program, the government has sanctioned several projects to the tune of INR 4,571.25 crore for development. Under Phase I, 17 projects with an outlay of INR 961.25 crore are under implementation. Under Phase II, 7 projects with an outlay of INR 3,610 crore are to be implemented. The schemes approved include the construction of North Cargo Berth No.1 at an outlay of INR 40 crore, capital dredging project at an outlay of INR 538 crore and an in principle approval for the development of an Outer Harbor under public private partnership.

Future projects envisaged include development of 129 acres in the Hare Island adjoining Red Gate of the port to handle dusty cargo with a separate 2 kilometer railway line an eco park and a buffer zone, a special economic zone in 160 acres of port land for agriculture oriented and food processing units, textiles, non polluting industries and hi tech industries with provision of water, road & electricity and a request to the Tamil Nadu Government for transfer of an additional 2,185 acres for expansion of the port estate.