Dubai-Kerala cruise ferry service plans move ahead with two operators interested

Plans to launch a cruise ferry service between Dubai and Kochi in Kerala, India are moving ahead, with local authorities having short-listed two companies that have shown interest in operating the service.

The Kerala Maritime Board is evaluating the proposals put forward by the two companies, but has encountered a delay due to the difficulty in finding a suitable vessel to operate the route. Both Chennai-based White Shipping and Jabal Ventures have indicated they will need to charter a ship for the service.

The service requires a vessel capable of carrying at least 600-700 passengers, with enough power to sail between Dubai and Kochi in under three days. A vessel had been chosen for the service, but it was only capable of maintaining a top speed of 15 knots, requiring 6 days to sail between the two cities.

In order for the cruise ferry to be competitive with more expensive flights, the ferry will need to be able to complete the route in under 72 hours. However, this requires a top speed in excess of 25 knots, which few cruise ships can sustain. The cruising speed of most large passenger vessels is 18 to 21 knots.

According to Shri N. S. Pillai, Chairman, Kerala Maritime Board, the two operators who attended a meeting with the Shipping Corporation of India were in the process of identifying vessels and once they submitted the documents, they would be granted a license within four days. 

“Once the license is granted, they can complete the preparations and launch the service within three months,” he told the New Indian Express. “[Once the license is granted] the operators have to identify travel agencies and complete preparations at the port. It will take three months to launch the service after securing the licence.” 

One of the operators had identified a cruise ship with a capacity to carry 600 passengers, but it required a substantial technical overhaul to increase the engine power. The Shipping Corporation of India deemed the proposal to be too expensive and time consuming. 

The minimum ship fare on the Dubai – Kochi cruise ferry is targeted to be Rs 15,000 for economy class, with higher travel classes available as well. Low fares are necessary in order for the cruise ferry to provide a viable alternative to flights, especially for passengers travelling with large amounts of luggage.