CPT extends concession for cruise liners

KOCHI: To ensure the arrival of maximum number of cruise vessels in the coming year too, Cochin Port Trust (CPT) has decided to extend the concession on vessel-related charges for cruise liners for 2012-13.The port management had announced a concession of 20 per cent for the vessels with Gross register tonnage (GRT) up to 30000 tonnes and 30 per cent concession for those above 30000 tonnes. ‘’Since the existing offer expires on March 31, we have decided to extend the concession to next year too,’’ said Paul Antony, chairman, CPT.Steamer agents who focus on cruise liners had frequently requested the port management to continue the support in the next year as well. ‘’A good number of cruise liners have already confirmed their call in the next year. Extension of the concession will certainly attract more liners to Kochi,’’ said a senior official of a leading shipping agent company.In 2008, pushing Mumbai and Goa far behind, Cochin Port had set a record by playing host to 43 cruise ships, which was also the maximum number of luxury vessels attended by a port in the country, between April 2007 and March 2008.During the last 10 years, there has been a steady growth in the number of vessels coming to Kochi. In 2002-03, the Port received 11 cruise ships followed by 18 ships during 2003-04. While the number was 19 during 2004-05, the number rose to 22 during 2005-06. In 2006-07, 38 cruise vessels called at the Port. In 2010-11, the number of calls crossed 40 and touched 42 vessels. This year, according to the port authorities and leading shipping agents, the number is expected to reach 50 by March 31.Around 10,000 high-end tourists visited Kochi and the nearby areas with the arrival of four luxury cruise liners from March 12 to 20, when five cruise vessels Explorer, Costa Deliziosa, Discovery, Aida Diva and Seven Seas Voyager called at the Cochin port during this eight-day period.The port management has also developed a cruise vessel reception facility at BTP berth by renovating the existing pavilion built for the Volvo Ocean Race held three years ago. The pavilion is being developed with financial aids from the Union and State governments.