The VOC Port museum project aims to showcase the historical importance of Tuticorin as a trade centre in ancient times, promote tourism and preserve India's maritime history, a top port official said. The museum will depict trade links of Tuticorin port with various countries dating back as long as 123 AD to the evolution of sea-based shipments during the pre- and post-British era, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority Chairman Susanta Kumar Purohit said.

The museum has been inaugurated as part of Rs 1,500 crore worth of projects launched by Union Minister for Port, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu on Monday. Purohit said the Maritime Heritage Museum is dedicated to freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar. He said the project will deepen public awareness of India's maritime history, promote tourism, and strengthen community engagement across the region.