E V Velu, the Minister of Public Works responsible for buildings, highways and small ports, has appealed for financial support from the central government to promote the development of non-major ports in Tamil Nadu. During a roadshow prior to the upcoming Global Maritime India Summit, Velu highlighted the economic growth and employment that the expansion project in VOC Port generates. He stressed the need for recognition and funding of additional ports to further boost the state's maritime infrastructure.

Sunil Paliwal, chairman of the Chennai Port Authority, stressed the importance of addressing capacity constraints in ports to maintain competitiveness in handling large cargo shipments.

Tamil Nadu is home to three of India's 12 main ports, and S Krishnan, additional chief secretary of industry, investment promotion and the Ministry of Commerce, highlighted the state's potential as an attractive destination for cruise tourism. He stressed the importance of attracting investment in ports, given the vast coastline of the state's peninsula.

In addition, these ports play a crucial role in the supply of coal to thermal power plants. Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union's Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, revealed the central government's desire to promote Tamil Nadu as a bunkering hub. Several projects are already underway to achieve this goal.