With Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) stating that the to-be-shortlisted general consultant would help zero in on the ideal type of ferry that it intends to operate in Kochi backwaters, two key players are gearing up to bag the global bid expected to be floated in the third quarter of this year.
Both Composite Boat Builders Association of Kerala, a consortium of private boat manufacturers having expertise in building fibre boats and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) with proven expertise in building steel ships and boats are keen on constructing 78 ferries for the metro agency.
A good share of stakeholders who participated in a workshop organised by the KMRL had suggested a fleet of glass reinforced plastic (GRP) ferries for Kochi.
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“But we are open to all options including GRP, fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) and steel, whose manufacturers are there in Kochi. The general consultant must suggest which to opt for and the specifications,” metro sources said.
Reacting to this, CSL officials said that it could build steel ferries if work on all 78 vessels is entrusted with it. “Only then will it make business sense since we are mostly into shipbuilding.”
Steel ferries are considered more durable than fibre boats and apt for Kochi backwaters where unmarked wooden stumps pose safety hazards. But they would have to be dry-docked every few years for maintenance. Fibre ferries are popular worldwide and have better aesthetics, sources said.
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On its part, the association with a track record of building fibre boats is keenly awaiting finalising of boat specifications. Four catamaran type fibre boats for public sector units in Kerala are under construction at the boatyard of its president Joe Nejedly.
“The consortium was formed so that we can take up construction of multiple vessels at the same time,” Mr. Nejedly said.