The Hindu Business Line : CPT appoints consortium for report on cruise terminal

Future plans
International Cruise Terminal is proposed for implementation on PPP.
The proposed public plaza is expected to attract the local population as well as tourists.

Kochi May 28 The Cochin Port Trust has appointed the consortium comprising MIR Projects & Consultants Pvt Ltd, Kochi, and Tran Systems, US, as consultants for the preparation of a feasibility report and business plan for the proposed international cruise terminal-cum-public plaza of the port.

The Board of Trustees of the port had approved the acceptance of the offer of the consortium for Rs 78.5 lakh and the letter of intent has been issued to the consultants in this regard.

Capt. Subhash Kumar, Deputy Chairman of the port, said that the work would be completed in four months and the report would be forwarded to the Government for obtaining necessary approvals for initiating the bidding process for the development of the project. The expected date of commencement of the project is August 2008 and completion is August 2010, he said.

PPP Model

The International Cruise Terminal, one of the development schemes of Cochin Port Trust included in the National Maritime Development Programme (NMDP) launched by the Shipping Ministry is proposed for implementation on Public-Private-Participation (PPP) model like on a BOT or joint venture format.

About 12 acres with prime waterfront in the northern end of the Willingdon Island is earmarked for development of the plaza. In order to make the project financially viable, the port intends to develop part of the terminal complex as an accessible public destination offering a range of facilities for entertainment and recreation, hospitality, dining, shopping, culture and arts, health/ayurveda/spa products, business and conferencing/trade exhibitions, etc.

The plaza is expected to attract the local population as well as tourists, both domestic and international, and will be abuzz with activity round the year.

Cruise traffic

Global expressions of interest for the appointment of a consultant were invited as early in 2006, and 32 international and national firms responded to the invitation. After a detailed bidding process comprising Request for Proposal stage and financial bid stage, the lowest offer was received from the consortium.

Considering that the cruise traffic to the port has been on the increase and also encashing on the growing international tourist influx to Kerala, the port intends to gear up to improve upon its services and develop the infrastructure.