The Kerala Maritime Board has shortlisted two companies to operate the service offering affordable passenger connectivity between Kochi and Dubai route. Following a call for application by the Maritime Board, Kozhikode-based Jabal Ventures Private Limited and White Shipping based in Chennai were shortlisted.
Kerala Maritime Board Chairman NS Pillai informed that the Maritime Board had held meetings with both companies and they have expressed immense interest to operate the service. The Board will now take up the issue with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Shipping Corporation of India to address the legal aspects of the deal and to decide the relaxations that will be provided to both the operators. The service is expected to be started in the next three months.
Earlier, the project was planned from Beypore to Dubai; however, Kochi has now been finalised. It may take three days to reach Dubai from a port in Kerala. In addition to passengers, the service will also help exporters in moving goods at a lower cost.
