Port Blair, Feb 22: A modern cargo-cum-passenger vessel MF Samsun chartered by A&N Administration through Shipping Corporation of India was inducted into service in a simple ceremony at Haddo Wharf by the Lt. Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM on 22 February 2012. The Lt. Governor was driven onboard in his vehicle after which he formally inducted the vessel into the fleet of Directorate of Shipping Services by breaking a coconut.
The Lt. Governor went around the vessel and saw the passenger facilities and operating procedures of the vessel. The Lt. Governor also expressed happiness over the induction of the vessel and appealed the passengers to keep the vessel having excellent amenities in good condition. A short cruise was also conducted on the occasion alongwith invitees and media.
Chartered by the A&N Administration for a period of 24 months, the 340 pax (for long cruise), which can be augmented upto 636 pax (for Inter-Island sector), MF Samsun has all the modern passenger amenities and comfort and shall operate in the southern group of Islands. The vessel can travel at a speed of 16 knots and is fuel efficient and can also transport 214 cars/28 trucks/500 T break bulk cargo.
Acquired on wet-lease basis for operating between southern group of Islands and Port Blair, the induction of the vessel will cater the transportation needs of the people living in the southern group of Islands to a great extent. The vessel is scheduled to make its maiden voyage from Port Blair to Campbell Bay after completion of formalities relating to custom, immigration and flag staff inspection.
The Chairperson, PBMC, Chairperson, SWAB and senior officers of the Administration were also present on the occasion.
