December seems to be the month of ‘happenings’ in the Indian yachting industry…Volvo Ocean Race, Boat India ‘08 and now some more good news….

Oyster Rock, the naval base off the INWTC is likely to behold the Pearls (read yachts and cruise-liners) of our harbour if some of the best in the Indian yachting industry have their way.

WHY OYSTER ROCK?

The alleged ’salient features’ of Oyster Rock are :-

1) Minimal dredging cost

2) Close to tourism zones

3) East coast passenger water terminal will improve connectivity

4) Residential area/ traffic issues can be easily addressed

5) Better planning compatibility

6) Better base cost

7) Better topography
More developable area

9) Feasible from a soil and geological point of view

10) Better marine access

OTHER CONTENDERS

To reach the result of the probable marina site was more like a heavy-weight boxing bout – and you had some of the best localities as contenders (and reason why they are not ‘in’) -

1) SEWRI/Powder Works Bunder – Rejected since a high estimated dredging cost of Rs 1,500 cr and an annual maintenance cost of Rs 150 cr went against the site. Heavy industrialisation and unauthorised structures in public areas are also a hindrance.

2) FERRY WHARF – The biggest hurdle here is high fishing activities which do not compliment the cruise. The location is also far from tourism zones and has poor access along the port corridor.

3) NARIMAN POINT – The site missed out narrowly in the race for the final choice as it is a highly crowded area. Otherwise with all the right requrements, the site provides direct ocean access for public use, access to proposed MMR plan roads and having the west coast water terminal will only improve connectivity. It is also adjacent to all main tourism centres.

4) APOLLO BUNDER – Another strong contender, the site has excellent marina options due to its configurations, and has a potential of development of additional waterfront tourism zones. It is also within the downtown tourism zone and is adjacent to small craft and ferry areas. This is our personal favorite and we believe that one day we will see a marina at this location for sure.

IMPACT OF 26/11

According to one of the leading newspapers, the November 26 strikes have exposed the vulnerability of the city’s coastline, but that hasn’t deterred the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) from going ahead with its ambitious plans for setting up an international cruise terminal and marina at Mumbai.

Rather, senior port officials have asked the project’s consultants to incorporate a strong surveillance system around Oyster Rock (near Sassoon Dock), the site selected for the ambitious project.

THE DRIVING FORCE(S)

The planners are trying to ensure that the draft project report (DPR) for the terminal incorporates foolproof security measures. The DPR, currently being drawn up by the consultants — a consortium of Zebec Marine Consultants & Services and Bermello Ajamil & Partners Inc, US — will be submitted to the ministry soon for approval.

TOI has details of how Oyster Rock, which beat four others to be selected as the site for the terminal, pipped the most strong contender, Nariman Point. Other shortlisted sites included Ferry Wharf, Sewri/PWB and Apollo Bunder.

Since the 26/11 attacks, three major luxury liners decided to call off their visit to Mumbai port at the last minute. But senior MbPT officials said this would not affect the pace of the project which is scheduled to be commissioned soon and will be completed by 2011, at an estimated cost of Rs 1,800 crore. The MbPT will contribute Rs 300 crore to the project, the rest will be borne by the private operator.

“The security aspect was always considered when we planned this sensitive project, akin to what is done when constructing an airport. But after the recent attacks, these measures have to be upgraded to thwart similar threats in future,’’ said a senior port official. He added that last year the ports in city received 30 liners and despite the recent attacks, these numbers are only expected to rise. Port officials were reluctant to discuss the specific vulnerabilities of, and remedial measures for the project but said it would establish the region as a leading travel and leisure destinations when completed.

The terminal would be constructed on a build-operate-transfer basis and bids from private operators have already been invited, though no one has been shortlisted yet.

Keep yourself updated with more on marina development by clicking here.

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