Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), which is constructing the third Ro-Ro vessel for the Kochi corporation, is expected to hand over the vessel to the local body in May. Corporation authorities are planning to commission the vessel immediately after CSL hands it over.
Dry Docking and Maintenance
The dry docking of two existing vessels operating in the Fort Kochi-Vypeen sector for periodic maintenance has been pending. Sources within the corporation stated, "Once we get the new vessel, we will be able to press it into service and send one of the old vessels for dry docking."
Financial Allocation and Contract
The corporation allocated Rs 18 crore for the construction of the third Ro-Ro vessel. The contract between the corporation and CSL was signed on November 13, 2024.
Future Operations and KSINC Contract
Meanwhile, the corporation has yet to decide whether to scrap the contract with Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC), which currently operates the existing Ro-Ro vessels on behalf of the civic body. The corporation council, held in the second week of March, authorized officials from the engineering wing to seek legal opinion on terminating the agreement with KSINC. The local body has decided to hold an all-party meeting to discuss a report prepared by the corporation secretary on this matter.
Sources indicated that the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-hed), an arm of the corporation, may be tasked with floating a special purpose vehicle (SPV) so that the local body's SPV itself can operate the vessels. Alternatively, the corporation could invite competitive tenders to find a firm to run the vessels.
Background and Audit Findings
This move follows the corporation's plan to entrust a new agency with the operations of Ro-Ro vessels. Earlier, auditors had found discrepancies in the accounts submitted by KSINC regarding vessel operations.
