Ro-pax ferries exempted from port charges for 6 month

Government has directed all Major Ports to exempt all berth hiring and vessel-related charges being currently levied to the Ro-Pax and Passenger Ferries for the next six months with immediate effect. Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ministry said the decision has been taken to provide some quick respite to Port sector from the impact of Global increase in price of fuel. The cost of Marine fuel - Low Sulphur High Flash High Speed Diesel has increased from 76 thousand rupees per Kiloliter to one lakh 21 thousand rupees per Kiloleter. The Ro-Pax services implemented by Deendayal Port Authority between Ghogha and Hazira under Sagarmala Programme have reduced travel time from 12 hrs. to 4 hrs. This Ro-Pax ferry service have carried over 78,000 vehicles and more than 2.6 lakh passengers since inception.Similarly, Maharashtra Maritime Board initiated Ro-Pax ferry service on Mumbai - Mandwa route. Project resulted in saving of around 3 hours of road travel against 45 minutes by sea route. More than 5.5 Lakh passengers have availed this Ro-Pax service and more than 1 lakh vehicles have been transported.

The Ministry said, water-based transportation service is an effective measure to lower the logistics costs, reducing travel time and promotion of coastal shipping on several feasible routes.Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has said that the rising fuel cost at international level is now making the local Ro-Pax and Passenger Ferry operations unviable. He said, exemption of vessel and port related charges will provide the necessary breather to this sector for the next six months.