VASCO
Expressing confidence that the recently stopped container feeder services would resume soon, Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) Chairman Rajiv Jalota also said cruise tourism would be boosted further to strengthen activities in the port.
Jalota was speaking after the inauguration of The Pier Restaurant and Bistro at the International Cruise terminal by Union Minister Shripad Naik.
Jalota said the MPT was going through some financial crisis with the abrupt stoppage of the container feeder service, giving a further jolt to activities in the port.
"We have already taken steps and in coordination with state and central governments, efforts are on to resume these services. MPT has taken initiatives and also offered discounts and concessions to container vessels and we now have some container vessels coming to the port as of now.”
“I also appeal to all industries to generate containers for these ships and encourage waterway movement instead of road transportation, so that there is no discontinuation of the service again," said Jalota.
Jalota said certain demands made by some feeder vessels were also discussed at board meetings.
"There was a major demand that MPT get a hi-tech harbour mobile crane to handle containers and other cargo and though we have one crane, it is not efficient enough. There is a demand from feeder vessels as well and we have called for a tender in this regard.”
“This harbour mobile crane will help us clear containers to and from the ships in quick time and with better efficiency. We are also trying to purchase some other equipment, cranes and cover viability gaps through Sagarmala funds to make this port more efficient and boost trade activities here," said Jalota.
Jalota added that both Mumbai and Goa ports were important destinations for both domestic and international cruise tourism.
“We have already issued a tender to construct an international cruise terminal at MPT and have also taken up procedures for a PPP of this terminal to make it more efficient. We will soon place it before the central government for approvals so that this terminal is ready to be operated within the next two years.”
“We have plans to have state-of-art dedicated terminals for international and domestic cruises with additional terminal for ferries," said Jalota.
"We also have plans to operate two more terminals through PPP mode to make MPT more efficient. This will be done soon as we have full support from the shipping ministry and also funding available through the Sagarmala mission,” Jalota added.
He also informed that the first domestic cruise ship ‘Angriya’ is likely to start operations in December.
