The Hindu Business Line : Centre clears Kochi marina project

THE Union Government has cleared the State Government's proposal to set up a marina at Kochi with a total project cost of Rs 24 crore. The Centre has also cleared Rs 4 crore as its contribution to this project.

The project envisages the setting up of a world-class marina at the Bolghaty islands in Kochi, on five acres of land with all facilities for international cruise liners and yachts that are passing by Kochi, the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation has said.

The potential for the project stems from the fact that there are several luxury yachts, which call at Kochi, despite the poor berthing facilities. In fact, numerous luxury yachts call at Kochi every year, on route from Gulf region to destinations in the Far East.

Currently, there is no intermediate berthing facilities for them, once they leave Dubai until they reach their destinations in the Far East. The marina project envisages exploiting this opportunity. Kochi, one of he best natural ports in Asia was the obvious choice for locating the marina. The transport and communications facilities readily available at Kochi were an added attraction.

The main facilities that would be available at the marina would be berthing facilities, refuelling and replenishing of the stores of visiting yachts. A central place for berthing of vessels and assembling of tourists on board is also planned. The berthing facility is proposed to accommodate more than 50 vessels of varying specifications at a time. Setting up of fuelling facilities through outlet points is also under consideration.

Additional facilities are the creation of a sewage treatment plant where the sludge will be treated and disposed of. Water purification and filtering plants will be erected, which will meet the water requirements of the visiting yachts. Cooking gas will be stored in bulk and would be made available through outlets with filling heads. Electric connection facilities, both AC and DC will also be made available.

The marina will have a wet dock and a gallery with equipment and machines for carrying our repair works. It will also have luxury cruisers and jet skis.

Constructing a 750-metre rubble retaining wall with coconut pile foundation will protect the shoreline. Area lighting and sufficient parking area for land vehicles will also be provided.

The Central Government, State Government and a joint venture partner will contribute the equity component of the project. The KSIDC is considering of extending a loan to the project.

With a debt component of 25 per cent, the project is expected to break even after six years of operation, the KSIDC said.