Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Dec 28: The maritime landscape of the Andaman Nicobar Islands recently witnessed a transformative boost with the arrival of two new vessels, MV Nalanda and MV Sindhu. While these ships have marked a paradigm shift in local transportation, concerns linger over other old ship’s ability to cater to the needs of all remote islands.
Despite the presence of other vessels such as MV Kalighat, MV Bharat Seema, and MV Dering, passengers from remote islands voice grievances about the outdated condition of MV Bharat Seema and MV Dering, causing considerable inconvenience.
Detailed information reveals that MV Bharat Seema, a Passenger/Cargo Ship, was constructed somewhere in 1982, nearly 41 years ago, while MV Dering, a Passenger Ship, was built somewhere in 1992, almost 31 years ago. Islanders have expressed to Andaman Sheekha that these vessels, particularly MV Bharat Seema, are not suitable for long-distance travel to destinations like Hut Bay or Car Nicobar.
With a collective call for action, many islanders advocate for the administration to expedite the procurement of two new vessels on par with MV Sindhu and MV Nalanda. This move is perceived as a long-term solution to address the evolving shipping needs of Andaman Nicobar Islands for the next 10 to 15 years.
However, a major hurdle surfaces as placing orders for new vessels entails a delivery timeline of 5 to 6 years. In the interim, commuters face the challenge of relying on aged vessels like MV Bharat Seema and MV Dering, frequently scheduled for Car Nicobar.
Adding to the urgency, the available alternatives, MV Kalighat (built in about 2005, 18 years old) and MV Campbell Bay (built in about 2011, 12 years old), are also showing signs of aging.
In light of these circumstances, the shipping department is urged to explore short-term solutions, such as chartering two vessels, to ensure uninterrupted inter-island connectivity.
Islanders, especially those who are living in remote Islands can only hope that Administration will look into this matter before ships like MV Bharat Seema and MV Dering reports complete breakdown.