Mumbai port set to build Rs 168 cr cruise terminal

The terminal would be a finger jetty to handle vessels at both sides

In the wake of its inability to offer guaranteed berths to passenger vessels, Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) is planning to construct an exclusive greenfield cruise terminal, at an estimated cost of Rs 168 crore on build, operate and transfer (Bot) basis in the next two years.

"The port is facing severe berthing issues for vessels, after Star Cruises selected MbPT as home port for its super star, Libra, as it requires massive logistical challenge. This, has forced the port to think about an exclusive cruise terminal," said a senior port official.

When contacted, MbPT secretary P Mohanachandran confirmed that the board of Mumbai port has given its in-principle permission to construct an exclusive cruise terminal with two berths.

The port would appoint a consultant to conduct a techno-economic feasibility study for the proposed project.

Mohanachandran said, the terminal would be a "finger jetty," which would handle vessels at both sides. The estimated cost of the Bot project is at Rs 168 crore. He added that the facility would have a convention centre, a car parking area and an entertainment park.

MbPT assistant dock manager Gautam Dey said, 15 international cruise liners are expected to call Mumbai port in the 'cruise year,' beginning from August 2005 to May 2006.

During the last cruise year, 17 liners visited the port. However, there would be 110 visits by cruise liners, when Star Cruise starts its operation of super star, Libra from September," Dey said.

According to a port official, MbPT was not able to offer guaranteed berthing for cruise vessel and free access to passengers and crew.

The passengers of the cruise liners were forced to use the same road, where loading and unloading operations of cargo vessel is carried out."MbPT can handle vessels with 300-500 passenger capacity at its Indira dock. But these are not remunerative business, either for port or for cruise operator. If we are offering berthing to such a cruise vessel, then it will end up in collateral loss for the port," he said.

He said, this has prompted the port to plan an exclusive cruise terminal behind the radio club of Mumbai, which would be operational in the next two years.

"The Mumbai port will be constructing basic infrastructure, including the jetty and an approach-road from the radio club, while the private operator will be building other necessary facilities on Bot basis," he added.

Cruise control

The port is facing severe berthing issues for vessels, after Star Cruises selected MbPT as home port for its super star, Libra

The port would appoint a consultant to conduct a techno-economic feasibility study for the proposed project

The facility would have a convention centre, a car parking area and an entertainment park

The Mumbai port will be constructing basic infrastructure, including the jetty and an approach-road from the radio club