KOCHI: Cochin Port Trust will be exploring the possibility of setting up a Yachting Marina at Puthuvype or Vallarpadam.
A consultant will be soon appointed to study the scope for such a project, said A V Ramana, Deputy
Chairman, Cochin Port Trust told Express.
The Kochi International Marina, owned by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), in the eastern coast of the Bolgatty Island is the existing such facility in the city.
“Since Kochi is the nearest port on the international maritime route between the west and the east, there is a vast scope for a Yachting Marina here. The existing facility is a small one and is not sufficient. We are exploring the possibility of setting up an International standard facility at Kochi. Currently there is no such facility of global standards in India. The Yachting Marina requires a draft of only six meters. Cochin Port will provide the land for the project on lease and a third party can develop the Marina. If there is a facility more yachts will call at the city,” Ramana said.
Though the port will not be getting any substantial income from the project, it will boost tourism activity in the region, he pointed out.
Kochi is an ideal berthing spot for yachts from the West that travel towards the north eastern parts of Asia after crossing the Suez Canal. Currently, there are no intermediate berthing facilities for yachts leaving Dubai until they reach their destinations in the Far East. Situated just 11 nautical miles from the international maritime route, Kochi has one of the best natural ports in Asia.
“India does not have a world class Yachting Marina. There are no enough anchoring space for yachts in the country. Since Kochi is a major spot on the global maritime map, there is a huge scope for such a facility here. If we can provide a Marina with international standards, yachts will definitely come calling,” said K Mohandas, former secretary, Union Ministry of Shipping.
Though Kochi has many favourable factors for yachting, the activity here is negligible. “The major reason for the low activity is that there are not enough water bodies where one can safely do yachting. Besides, the facilities here are also not up to the mark. We receive many calls from foreigners as well as natives seeking information on yachting facilities in Kochi. But they often don’t come due to lack of facilities,” said a representative of cochin yacht club.
The Kochi International Marina by KTDC started operations on April, 2010. It was the first full-fledged marina in India. It provides berthing facility for 34 yachts and also offers services like fuel, water, electricity and sewage pump-outs for boats. “But the facility has only minimal activity now. Reasons: Difficulties in getting visa for foreign nationals and pirate threat. We are in touch with the Union Government to ease the issues related to getting visa. Also we will renovate the space at the earliest,” said M Vijaya Kumar, Chairman, KTDC.