Gulf-Kerala ship service: Survey on to gauge expats’ opinion on fares, facilities

Thrissur: Four companies have expressed interest in operating the much-awaited Gulf–Kerala passenger ship service. Noted national-level shipping companies like JM Baxi, Sita Travel Corporation India, Kochi-based Intersight Tours and Travels and Gangway Shipping and Logistics based in Thiruvananthapuram have shown their willingness to be part of the project. 

The Kerala Maritime Board had earlier invited companies to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to operate passenger ship services from Vizhinjam, Kollam, Bepore and Azheekkal ports in Kerala to the Gulf countries. The EOI was invited from companies that could operate hybrid model big or small ships. The four companies have now expressed their interest following this. 

Meanwhile, the Kerala Maritime Board hopes that more companies may show interest as EOI could be submitted by April 22. The Gulf–Kerala ship service may be beneficial for Gulf-based expatriates as the airline companies often charge exorbitant ticket fares on these routes, especially during the season. Most airline companies double the ticket fares during the peak season, causing severe financial crises for the passengers. 

Experts point out that it would take only half of what is spent on air tickets to book a seat on a cruise ship. Even though the journey may be longer, the passengers could carry more luggage than in aeroplanes. The Kerala Maritime Board would conduct discussions with the companies that have expressed interest in operating services. The final decision about flagging off the service would be taken only after making all the necessary arrangements for these companies at the ports. However, the service may be jeopardised during the off–season when the number of passengers falls. Discussions to figure out how to solve this issue too would be held. The Board would finalise the project only after forming guidelines that are practical and feasible. 

First phase discussions
The first phase of discussions to examine the wider scope of introducing passenger ship services between Kerala and GCC countries will be held today (March 27) in Kochi. Meetings with various shipping companies too have been scheduled. Kerala Maritime Board Chairman NS Pillai, other senior officials, port officers, Cochin Shipyard, representatives of the tourism department and shipping companies will take part in the meetings. 

Survey among expatriates
Meanwhile, the Kerala Maritime Board has been conducting a survey among the Gulf-based expatriate Malayalis to know their opinion about the proposed project. A questionnaire comprising ten questions like ‘whether they would consider ship as a mode of transit between GCC and Kerala, how often would they travel to Kerala, what are the peak seasons, reasonable price range for a ship transit, expected luggage facility and the expected duration of the journey’ has been published in Kerala Maritime Board’s website .