VASCO
Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) Deputy Chairman G P Rai on Friday said the recently launched domestic cruise ship ‘MV Cordelia Empress’, which was embroiled in controversy following the seizure of drugs after a raid at a party on the ship, is likely to begin calls to Goa soon and would continue to remain in operation.
Rai was speaking to reporters alongside a function to launch a month-long cleanliness drive in and around Vasco under the Azaadi ka Amrut Mahotsav.
"We are aware there was an issue regarding the ship after a raid was conducted by anti-narcotics authorities, but the ship has nothing to do with the controversy and the issue has been sorted out,” said Rai.
“The ship has already given us the schedule and we have already discussed with the Customs authorities. They have asked for some extra security arrangements while the ship is in Goa.”
“Cruise tourism will start and the ship will continue to call at Goa Port, thereby boosting the business of the port and locals associated with the tourism industry," said Rai.
Aryan Khan (23), son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, along with some others were arrested on October 3, following a raid at a party on the cruise ship off the coast of Mumbai by the Narcotics Control Bureau.
The ship had left the docks and was on a three-day tour from Mumbai to Goa but was immediately ordered to return to bay by the narcotics sleuths.
MULTI-CARGO
Rai said there were many other businesses plans at the MPT.
"We have already submitted a feasibility report regarding Berth 9 to the union ministry and we are addressing some structural issues for Berths 10/11, after which we will submit a report to the ministry.”
“We are keeping Berth 9 ready for iron ore business, but we can also offer it for multi-commodity cargo," said Rai.
Rai said many initiatives were taken to start container cargo movement in the Port, adding that container movement has been on the rise.
"We are also in touch with the union shipping ministry and we will also meet the State government to address various issues, including CRZ issues. We have already called for a tender for the PPP project for the International Cruise Terminal and we will soon take up work on that front as well," said Rai.
