KOCHI: It seems the much-expected Cochin International Cruise terminal-cum-shopping plaza, one of the major expansion projects of the Cochin Port Trust (CPT), is likely to face a premature death, with the port management planning alternative reception facility for cruise vessels. “We need huge investment for the project. At the same time it would not generate considerable revenue for the port. We are planning to develop an alternative facility in association with the Union Ministry of Tourism,” said CPT chairman Paul Antony.“But it does not mean that we have abandoned the project, but priority is being given to an alternative arrangement. Instead of constructing a new terminal, we propose to develop the existing facility at BTP berth which was constructed for the Volvo Ocean Race held two years ago, into a cruise terminal. The 1,500-sq ft space of the available 3,600 sq ft will be developed for the passenger facilities in the first phase. The remaining space would be allotted to private parties for business purpose,” Paul Antony said. He further said that a grant of `7 crore is expected to be allotted from the Union Ministry of Shipping to develop the facility into a cruise terminal.The feasibility report and business plan for the proposed cruise terminal project were finalised in March 2008 and a transaction adviser was appointed in June 2008. The 375-crore terminal would have an exclusive berth having a quay length of 220 m with an available draft of 10 metre.A replica of a Kerala Village, shopping mall-cum-office tower and a luxury hotel were the other features in addition to a world-class vessel reception facility. The passenger capacity was expected to be 3,50,000 per annum. By hosting 43 cruise ships between April 2007 and March 2008, the Cochin Port had set a new record in handling the largest number of such ships in a year in the country, pushing Mumbai and Goa far behind. There has been a steady growth in the number of cruise vessels calling at Kochi. In 2002-03, the port received 11 cruise ships, followed by 18 during 2003-04. The number rose to 19 during 2004-05 and 22 during 2005-06. In 2006-07, 38 cruise ships arrived at the port. The CPT authorities said 50 cruise ships have confirmed their arrival in the current financial year.
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