A long-pending demand of the Malayali expat community in the Middle East will soon get realized as an EOI for the passenger and cruise ship services has been invited by the government.
A cruise ship. Representational image. (Creative Commons)
In a move that could redefine Kerala’s regional connectivity and open new avenues for the state’s trade and tourism sectors, an expression of interest (EOI) has been invited from competent firms for starting passenger and cruise ship services connecting Kerala to the Middle East.
It was the Kerala Maritime Board (KMB), a statutory body of the Kerala government, which had invited the EOI.
The KMB stated that the EOI has been issued with the concurrence of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the state government.
A long-pending demand of the expat community in the Middle East including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries, the passenger and cruise ship services will provide a compelling alternative travel choice.
The expats often complain of skyrocketing airfares, especially during the festive times.
The EOI aims to attract competent firms with expertise in operating passenger ships/cruises/vessels / inland vessels or with relevant experience in operating passenger ships/vessels connecting the Middle East / GCC with Kerala.
It is invited in three categories as follows:
It is also directed that the competent applicant will have to suggest luxury, budget, or day voyages, or a combination thereof, along with passenger ship routes between the GCC/Middle East and Kerala, in each of the mentioned categories.
The EOI mandates that the ships should have adequate entertainment and hospitality services for premium travellers.
“It is desirable to provide sufficient cargo allowances and offer affordable ticket options, along with premium tickets,” reads an excerpt from the EOI.
The EOI lists four notified fully functional non-major ports – Beypore, Kollam, Azhikkal, and Vizhinjam – for carrying out the passenger and cruise services with International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS code) compliance.
“Further, Vizhinjam and Beypore have International Check Point (ICP) status. The obtainment of ICP status for Kollam port is expected shortly,” the EOI stated.
The operator will have the responsibility to ensure all aspects of the acquisition of vessels or leasing, operations including staffing, safety, vessel maintenance, logistics, and marketing, identifying potential itinerary, preparing feasibility reports, ensuring insurance, safety and compliance to statutory provisions, rules & regulations, obtain all regulatory / legal clearances, licenses, permits, certificates from relevant statutory authorities and others.
The last date for responding to the EOI is 22 April 2024.
According to KMB, as stated in the EOI, it had embarked on this ambitious initiative to enhance connectivity and foster closer ties between these regions, catering to the burgeoning demand for efficient and enjoyable maritime travel experiences.
“By facilitating seamless transportation between the destinations, the KMB aims to unlock new avenues for economic growth, cultural exchange, tourism development and along with meeting the travel needs of non-resident Keralites (NRKs),” it stated.
Another major objective that the passenger/cruise ship services will cater to is providing an attractive transportation option for NRKs, coupled with leisure and entertainment,” observes the KMB in the EOI.
“The ship / cruises can have a blend of offerings ranging from simple affordable travel decks to luxury cruise experiences with entertainment facilities in same ship. Moreover, they provide the additional benefit of carrying larger luggage and even unaccompanied cargo,” it further added.
KMB is also of the assessment that the initiative opens huge potential to add coastal cruise and other water-borne travel and leisure cruise opportunities around the four ports, where the service is being planned.
(Edited by Shauqueen Mizaj)
May 06, 2024
May 06, 2024
May 06, 2024
May 06, 2024
May 06, 2024
May 06, 2024
