New Mangaluru Port introduces Ro-Ro service
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangaluru, Oct 22, 2015 : In dedicated efforts to boost coastal shipping, NMPT - New Mangalore Port Trust has introduced Ro-Ro (roll-on roll-off) service between Mangaluru and Hazira Port near Surat in Gujarat.
Ro-Ro is a system where it loads or ’rolls on’ trucks driven by their own drivers into the vessel, and are driven out from the vessel at the destination. The solely car and truck carrier – m.v. Maria India – a 160-metre-long Ro-Ro ship with a capacity to carry up to 150 loaded trucks and 210 cars, called at the port here and started operations Oct 20.
A media release by the NMPT Oct 21 stated that with this service, NMPT became the first port to introduce Ro-Ro service, via sea, in India. The vessel will be operating between Mangaluru and Hazira Port at the mouth of the river Tapti at Surat. With an operating speed of 16 knots, the ship can cover Mangaluru-Hazira in less than 36 hours.
The vessel with loaded trucks to Surat sailed out from New Mangalore Port Oct 21. The drivers of these trucks will drive out their respective vehicles at Hazira Port. This coastal service between Mangalore and Hazira, which covers a road distance of over 1,200 km, will contribute substantial savings to truck operators by way of reduced fuel consumption, reduced wear and tear of vehicles and toll charges, and bring down the delays in border crossing and risk of long-distance driving, drivers can relax in comfort on the voyage as the ship smoothly glides on the Arabian Sea.
The service is taken up by Link Shipping and Management System Pvt. Ltd. Alvares and Thomas are steamer agents and stevedores. The Ro-Ro service is part of the Union government’s policy of implementing the vision for coastal shipping, the release said, adding that the port is making all efforts to attract more coastal movement.
In this direction, the port has earmarked exclusive berths and storage sheds for coastal shipping, the chairman of the port P.C. Parida stated.