Kochi-male ferry service likely to be delayed

KOCHI: The proposed ferry service between Kochi and Maldives is likely to be delayed, with the Maldivian authorities seeking time for developing port infrastructure at the destinations in Male.A team of officers from the Maldives Ports Ltd (MPL), led by its deputy- CEO Hussain Naeem, held discussions with the Cochin Port Trust authorities during the last week of November.The Maldivian team also held discussion with representatives of chambers of commerce and steamer agents.It was decided in the meeting that the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) would invite an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the service. The weekly ferry service was proposed to start by February 2012. “We are keeping in touch with the Maldivian authorities. The obstacles are expected to be cleared soon,” said Union Shipping secretary K Mohandas. At the meeting it was decided to structure the ferry service as cargo-cum-passenger service. It would have a passenger capacity of 300 and carry 15 to 20 containers and about 500 tonnes of breakbulk cargo. The Cochin Port Trust is to provide berth facility at the BTP Jetty.The cruise terminal facility is being constructed at a cost of Rs 7 crore. The work on the cruise terminal is expected to be completed by March, 2012.The ferry service will increase the potential of cargo movement from Kochi to Male. Currently, a large amount of cargo from Kerala and south Tamil Nadu is being moved to Male through intermediate ports like Singapore and Dubai.From Tuticorin to Male, there is limited movement of cargo.As transit time between Kochi and Male in the new ferry is one day, it will be ideal for movement of perishable cargo.