The Hindu Business Line : Cochin port, Dubai co tie up for passenger vessel service

THE Cochin Port Trust and the Dubai-based Marco Shipping Agency have entered into an agreement to commence a regular passenger vessel service between Kochi and Dubai.

The agreement was signed by Mr N. Ramachandran, Chairman, Cochin Port Trust, Mr Mohammed A. Al Suwaidi, Chairman, Marco Shipping, Dubai, and Mr A.S. Gopinath of Oriental Exim Agency, Kochi, the local agentfor Marco Shipping here.

The service, which is expected to commence by the last week of December, will be beneficial mainly to low-paid Keralites working in the Gulf region.

Based on a request from the Non-Resident Keralite Affairs Department (NORKA), the port has decided to extend certain concessions on port-related charges in order to make the service sustainable.

According to port officials, the Q-2 Transit Shed in the Mattanchery wharf will be refurbished as a passenger terminal.

The facilities required for Customs, immigration, bank, refreshments and communication counters are to be provided at the passenger terminal by Marco Shipping and its agents.

NORKA has also agreed to render financial assistance for passenger amenities in the proposed terminal.

It may be recalled that a ferry service, introduced two years ago from Dubai to Kochi, was called off after the Mercantile Marine Department raised objections with regard to poor facilities offered to passengers in the vessel.

Considering this, emphasis on quality has been made.

The port trust officials had also convened a meeting among Customs and Emigration officials earlier to put in place a system to service a regular ferry-cum-cruise service between Kochi and Dubai.

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