Chennai: In a significant move, the Union shipping ministry has decided to rationalise the port charges of cruise vessels calling on Indian ports from this month.
The rates have been made uniform across Indian ports taking into account the recommendations of a committee constituted by the Indian Ports Association.
The tariff for cruise vessels in Indian ports ranged from USD 0.6 in Mumbai to USD1.6 per GRT in Kochi for 12 hours stay. According to sources, the decision to rationalise the port charges of cruise ships that visit the Indian ports has been made in accordance with the action plan drawn by the government and also the ministries of shipping and tourism to develop and promote India as a cruising hub. The new uniform rates for cruise vessels will be effective for a period of three years.
The composite port charges for cruise ships calling on Indian ports have been fixed at USD 0.35 per Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for first 12 hours stay across all ports in India. Ports will not charge any other rate like berth hire, port dues, pilotage and passenger fee, over and above the port charges, as per the department's communique.
For stay exceeding 12 hours, the ports can decide on “discounts” that can be extended to ships based on the availability of berths.
The government has an ambitious target of receiving at least 40 lakh cruise tourists in the next five years from the current two lakh tourists and recently Union shipping minister Nitin Gadkari unveiled the action plan for develop-ment of Cruise Tourism in India.
As per the plan Indian ports will be equipped to cater to over 700 cruise ships from the current number of 150 ships annually.
