Mohammed Sajid
Port Blair, May 04: Crystal Shipping Andaman is all set to start operation of its passenger ferry in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Their passenger Ferry Ship M V Ekspres Bahagia 88 is ready for commercial operation in Andaman waters, between Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island.
According to reports the passenger ferry is having 270 seats and a Small cafeteria. The vessel has 2 Mitsubishi engines, which can make 34 Knots but considering Indian rules the vessel would be operated in much slower speed but promises to reach Havelock Island in 90 minutes.
Apart from offering a ticket at the rate of Rs. 400 to Islanders the management of the ferry is also planning to provide space for farmers to send their produces to Port Blair.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha, Mr. Rajiv Bhat, husband of Priya Bhat, the co-owner of the vessel, told Andaman Sheekha that the entire project costs around 6 crore. The Ship is owned by Cristal Shipping which is a joint venture of Priya Bhat and Mr. M Megavarnam.
“The vessel is approved by IRS X Class & MMD Port Blair meeting all their stringent requirement in regard to safety and speed of vessel as well as passenger dually Monitored by Germany based DNV,” a caption on the website of the Shipping Company says.
Crystal Shipping is planning to start the service within three weeks and passengers will be able to book tickets online from the website of Crystal Shipping www.crystalshippingandaman.com.
