Good day Mariners

The 6 Rubber Tyre Gantry cranes (RTGs) is the first consignment of the fleet of 15 units which would be deployed as the yard cranes at Vallarpadam. These have been manufactured by TGPC at Abu Dhabi at a cost of 1.7 million dollars a piece and transported in fully assembled condition. The offloading of the cranes would be a roll off operation from the barge after removal of the sea fastening.

The cranes are capable of lifting 41 tons under the spreader and can handle 20,40,45 feet ISO containers from the container yards to the truck and vice versa at a theoretical cycle speed of about 25 to 30 boxes per hour. These cranes weigh about 130 tons and are structurally designed for 2 million lifts.

The crane is operated by an operator from an ergonomically designed cabin with all the advanced safety features. These cranes incorporate high standard safety and reliability. There have been substantial improvement in the design and the cranes are also fitted with the sensors that detect pedestrians and obstacles on the track and prevent crane movement.

The crane management system provides all essential data for fault detection, maintenance and operational data.

“An intimate cruise ship in Cochin ”

MS Costa Allegra is a cruise ship owned and operated by the Italy-based Costa Cruises. She was built in 1969 by the Wärtsilä Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland as the container ship In 1990 the ship was acquired by Costa Cruises and rebuilt into a cruise ship at the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy. She entered service as the Costa Allegra in 1992.

The eight decks on the Costa Allegra are named after famous impressionist painters. A three deck high glass atrium is the centre of the ship. All throughout the ship, elegant works of art can be found.[2]
The play of light on glass and water transforms this magnificent ship into a floating work of art. Carrying The intimate Costa Allegra cruise ship is a vessel of imagination and opulence. Peach and rose hand cut Carrara marble, walls finished in the finest woods and decks named after famous impressionist painters. There is a glass atrium three decks high, and a dome that opens up to a 360 degree view of the sky — day or night. Fountains stream into pools that are at the same time, exquisite skylights for the public rooms below. On the Costa Allegra cruise ship, you will find art and artistry around out every corner.

“The longest rail bridge of India built in Kerala”
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a special purpose vehicle (SPV) under the Ministry of Railways, was entrusted with the job of CONSTRUCTION OF RAIL CONNECTIVITY FROM IDAPALLI TO INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TRANSSHIPMENT TERMINAL- VALLARPADAM with a target to complete the rail connectivity work by 31st of March 2010. By taking the engine through the completed track on this day, that promise stands fulfilled. We thank the District Administration, Cochin Port Trust, Contractors, the workers, the media and the public for their support for this project.

The final cost of the project, on completion, will be around Rs.350 crores, funded by Govt. of India through Ministry of Shipping.

The total length of the Rail connectivity is 8.86 Km and starts from the existing Southern Railway Network at Idappalli Railway Station and runs parallel to the existing Track for a length of around 3 Km by constructing earthen embankment and Minor bridges / Culverts upto Vaduthala. Then it passes over the longest Railway Bridge in India of 4.62km, and passes through inhabited area of Vaduthala and its Backwaters; cuts across Idyakkara Island, Mulavukadu Island and finally reaches Vallarpadam where a new Railway station is being constructed. This line is a dedicated line ONLY for goods traffic.

The project has the longest Railway Bridge and other 4 small bridges. The bridges are on 1.2 diameter piles and are taken to an average depth of about 55 metres. There are such 1275 piles (1239 on major bridges and 36 Nos on minor bridges) made for the project totaling to about 65000 metres of pile length. The superstructure is of I and U girders. All put together, there are 99 spans of 40 m and 33 spans of 20 m U girder.

A new and novel Railway station was constructed at Idappalli and the new Railway station at Vallarpadam is nearing completion, as this work is linked to the construction of ICTT by Dubai Port.

“Jewel of Muscat” arrives at Cochin
Is it humanly possible to recreate ‘time’? Though it seems utterly illogical, that question always incites and excites human imagination, the only thing I know, needs no ‘time machine’ to travel beyond the eternity of space and time. When ‘Jewel of Muscat’ reached the Queen of Arabian Sea, this is the very first thought that hit my mind.
Jewel of Muscat is a stupendous effort to reconstruct a glorified 9th century sailing ship in Oman and retrace the sea trade route between Arabia and the Far East. The ship was made after the enlightening exploration on the past that opened up the mysteries such as the Belitung Wreck, discovered in 1998. The ship was made completely with the techniques and materials that were used during that period in history. The 18 metre ship was built without nails and the planks were sewn together with coconut fibre. The planking on the ship was made from Afzelia africana timber from Ghana and protected by a layer of goat fat mixed with lime. It’s quite amazing when we come to know that these centuries old techniques can keep the ship cent percent water tight. The whole construction was done in a specially made ship yard at a beach in Qantab, Oman. During this adventurous voyage the crew is using 9th century navigation systems. The project is a joint venture of the governments of Oman and Singapore.

“Progress with Container terminal in Kochi”

The work on the ambitious Vallarpadam Container Transhipment Terminal in Kochi is nearing completion. The Shipping Ministry in India is gearing to make the terminal attractive by chalking out plans for competitive rates for the shippers.
The Ministry has plans to prepare a package for port related charges exclusively for the Vallarpadam Terminal on par with Colombo Port,
which is handling more than 90 per cent of the transshipment cargo from India, Mr K.Mohandas, Shipping Secretary informed. The Ministry, he said, is aware that the port related charges currently
collected by Colombo Port is far below than Kochi, and it is working out proposals for attracting mainline vessels to the proposed terminal, which is expected to be commissioned by June-end. Referring to the work on the highway connectivity to the proposed terminal, Mr Mohandas said that it is progressing well and two-lane connectivity will
be ready by end-June instead of the four-lane connectivity. Work on rail connectivity has made smooth progress and the issues regarding
construction of a subway in one area have been settled amicably with locals.
He also pointed out that steps have also been taken to ensure that the progress of all the three important works relating to the LNG Terminal will be completed by the scheduled time frame of
January 2011.
Work has progressed well and is in the final stages
of completion, he added.
Sources in the shipping fraternity pointed out that the Colombo Port is handling 90 per cent of the cargo from India and the rates levied there are three times lower compared with any other ports in
India.
If the rates are substantially reduced, Kochi Port can attract more volumes in the initial stages of operations of Vallarpadam terminal.

Strict security measures have been imposed in and around Kochi following the Pune bomb blast which killed 9 people and injured several others Saturday last.

Safety measures have been beefed up at railway stations, bus terminals, High Court, market and other places.

Police personnel, including those in mufti, have increased patrolling in the city. Investigation into terror-related cases in the state has already started.

The city police commissioner has requested public to inform the police control room if any bags or packages are found in abandoned state.

“DAM999 embarks on its voyage with God’s blessings”

The ‘Pooja’ of DAM999, the most awaiting Hollywood film by the illustrious writer and businessman, Sohan Roy, was held on 15th February 2010 at Anjumana Temple in Cochin. The outstanding personalities from film industry like Padmasree Thotta Tharani, Ajayan Vincent, Pattanam Rasheed were present along with Mr. Sohan Roy at the auspicious occasion. The shooting of the movie, will start on March 1st 2010.

“MV Aquamarine opens up high seas luxury cruising for Indian tourists”

Indian travelers will soon get to enjoy the joys of international class cruising on the Indian Ocean onboard MV Aquamarine, the first international cruise ship to homeport in India.

The luxury liner was officially launched at a ceremony to celebrate its inaugural sailing, by Union Minister for Tourism, Kumari Selja in Kochi today. MV Aquamarine is the first cruise liner to offer cruises targeted at the Indian tourism market. In her speech, the Minister said that there was tremendous scope for cruise tourism in the country, given India’s strong domestic tourism sector and growing middle class and of course, the country’s 7,517 kilometre long coastline. Director of Kerala Tourism, Mr M Sivasankar stated that exotic voyages from Kochi, is a unique product for the Indian market, which is craving for new and exciting experiences. He added that the new development will further boost Kochi’s position as a cruise hub and destination in the area.

MV Aquamarine has a capacity to carry 1,200 passengers and will offer itineraries on the Kochi-Maldives-Kochi and the Kochi-Colombo-Kochi routes, in addition to a one-night high sea-sailing itinerary. Mr Oneil Khosa, Managing Director of Louis Cruises India, while speaking at the aforementioned ceremony underlined the fact that the 2 night/3day itineraries to Maldives and Sri Lanka are considered to be ideal as Indian, are not inclined towards long sailing. Packages start from Rs 5,000 per person per day for a three-night tour package.

Addressing the officials and travel executives who honored the ceremony with their presence, Mr. Louis Loizou, Louis Group Executive Director and Deputy CEO of Louis Cruises expressed the company’s satisfaction for adding Kochi to the list of homeports-the first non-European base for Louis’ twelve-strong fleet. Mr. Loizou thanked the Indian authorities for their warm welcome and noted the endless potential of the Indian tourism market and the Group’s strong belief that cruising will be embraced by Indians and visitors alike.

MV Aquamarine will homeport in Kochi from 2nd December 2009 to 25th April 2010 and will operate cruise itineraries 3 times a week from Kochi. Around 60,000 Indian tourists are expected to cruise on MV Aquamarine this season. The vessel will make her debut voyage tomorrow, from Kochi to the Maldives. Kerala Tourism has tied up with the company to market and promote cruise tourism from Kochi.

Besides 525 spacious state rooms and suites, which are all above sea level, passengers will also get to enjoy her world class facilities including several restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness center, massage/sauna facilities, a casino and duty free shopping. The vessel has also been modified to include a cricket pitch – giving Indian travelers a new experience of playing cricket on the high seas. Food and entertainment on board will also take in Indian taste and has been modified to include both Indian and European themes.

The 7 deck ship spans 531 ft in length, 83 ft in breadth and has 4 elevators. With a gross tonnage of 25,611, it will cruise the Indian Ocean at 17 knots. MV Aquamarine is owned by Louis Cruises India, a subsidiary of Louis Cruises – the 5th largest cruise operator in the world. The company’s decision to expand its operations to India was to take advantage of the rising Indian tourism market. Louis Cruises India will reach out to a broad target segment in India including families, honeymooners, the corporate sector and MICE.

Apart from hosting a growing number of cruise ships, Kochi also hosted the Volvo Ocean Race last year, marking its entry on the global yachting map.

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has registered a trademark – Cadalmin – for the products and services of the institute.

The trademark will be launched by C D Mayee, Chairman, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board on November 19. Anwar Hashim, National President of Seafood Exporters Association of India, will be the guest of honour.

Here’s a chance for you to enter a warship. Learn about torpedoes, missiles, radars and machine guns, for Navy Fest 2009 is here. If you have always wanted to know more about life at sea and the risk naval officers take to keep our country safe, then the fest at the Naval Base is the place to be.
The open-to-all fair features inaugurated by Vice-Admiral K N Sushil, Flag Officer Commanding- in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, has nearly 25 stalls dedicated to the different schools of the Navy. INS Dronacharya, the gunnery school, has machine guns and other rifles on display.

Each stall has a display board detailing the various activities of each school. Officers and cadets in these stalls are ready to help you understand the working of the mind-boggling equipment on display.
If you are in a mood for fun and games head straight to the section where amusement rides await you.

The festivities are on till November 22.

The India International Aqua Show, 2010, Kochi, is an Ornamental Fish & Accessories Exhibition and Trade Fair Organised by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala in association with the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. It is a unique opportunity for exhibiting and marketing ornamental fish and accessories.

The event, scheduled to take place at Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium,Cochin,Kerala State, India, and is expected to attract exhibitors, breeders, traders and visitors within India and outside the country.

“Fashion beckons Cochin-Navarasa all set to roll out”

Aries telecasting Pvt. Ltd announces Navarasa, the fashion extravaganza on 10th January 2010 at Gold Souk Mall, Cochin in association with the upcoming Hollywood project DAM 999.

The fashion fiesta portraying various moods,emotions & their colors will be announced by the designer known for her diffusion line in Wills Life Style Fashion Week and Lakme Fashion Week and the stronger designer label in Southern India – Rehane Yavar Dhala.

Orginality and Creativity the most important assets of a designer
make their presence felt by Rehane Yavar Dhala, Chennai’s
numero uno designer. Rehane currently the strongest designer in
the south retails from her flagship store in chennai and also from
select outlets across India. “Evoluzione” in Bangalore, “Kimaya”
in Mumbai and Dubai, “Indomix” in NewYork and “Chubara”in
Washington.

Her designs enhance everyday life. An ideal refignment for females to conquer chic city life and timeless elegance. Rehane specialises primarly in diffusion wear, but her label is also highly sought after for trousers for the modern bride.Rehane gives her clients a look that is feminine, elegant and chic all at once and that is what keeps her clientelle coming back for more.

Rehane’s sampling unit has 30 machines and most of her diffusion wears and high fashion clothes are made here, for bulk production she has tied up with the medium sized export house in chennai. Bulk production has been done by her in the past, has supplied clothes to giant companies like West side and Lifestyle for a couple of seasons.Rehane is cued on to international trends and designs for the global apparel market. Rehane’s strategy for the future growth is not only to retail from well profiled stores across the world, but more importantly to have her brand franchise stand alone stores as she has full confidence in her production capacity, finish, price and delivery. As global competition grows Rehane’s market share has also grown equally proving that she understands the global client.

“Dolphin India’s national aquatic animal”
Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh said that like the tiger as the national animal and peacock as the national bird, the government had declared dolphins as the national aquatic animal as it represented the health of the rivers, particularly the Ganga.

Bharati Shipyard ups stakes in Great Offshore bidding race.”
Mumbai: Private sector shipbuilder Bharati Shipyard on Monday said it has hiked the open offer price to acquire stake in offshore service provider Great Offshore to Rs 560 per share.

“SCI’s single hull phase out continues.”
Shipping Corporation of India plans to scrap seven single-hull tankers by the end of this fiscal year to meet the global deadline to phase out single-hull tankers by 2010.

Admiral Nirmal Kumar Verma, Chief of the Naval staff will review a ceremonial parade at the Naval Base on his maiden visit to kochi and the Southern Naval command after assuming charge as Naval Chief.

“Indian Maritime University launches its new centre in Kochi”

The Indian Maritime University (IMU) is expanding its horizons to meet the growing demand for trained professionals in the maritime sector. Headquartered in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam. As part of its ambitious plans to set up its centre in Kochi on Saturday.
Established on November 14,2008 IMU is set to play a key role in the development of human resource for the maritime sector, Mr. Vijayan, Vice- Chancellor Of IMU said. The University offers graduate, post-graduate and doctoral programmes with future plans to start a two-year MBA in shipping and port management and a one-year executive MBA in maritime management.

“Cochin Port Trust” – Vice Admiral KN Sushil will take over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-chiek of the Southern Naval Command from the Vice Admiral SK Damle on 31st August 2009. A ceremonial parade will be held at the Naval base for the change of command.

“Handing over of the fisheries research vessel- Matsyakumari-II built for Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) by KSINC”

Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation Ltd (KSINC) has completed delivery of its first sea going fisheries research vessel designed and constructed in its yard at Thoppumpady. The formal handing over of the vessel was solemnized by handing over the key of the fishery vessel to Dr B. Meenakumari, Director, CIFT. The Vessel named “Matsyakumari-II” is a fishery research vessel constructed under IRS and to international sea going standards

The vessel can remain in the sea for nine days with 12 people on board (10 crew and 2 scientists). The vessel has facilities for stern trawling, gill netting, long line fishing and also can be used for fishery survey and coastal studies in tropical waters.

“Asia’s largest and most technically advanced Oceanarium to come in New Vypeen, Vypeen Island Cochin”
The Governement of Kerala is planning to develop an oceanarium spread over 44acres at New Vypeen in Kochi, South West India on a Public Private Partnership model with an investment of 300 crores. The proposed Oceanarium which will be launched by 2010 is expected to be the largest in South East Asia. The Government of Kerala, Ministry of Earth Science and Government of India will hold 49% stake and the remeaining 51% will be allocated to private parties.
The Oceanarium will have a 250 meters glass tunnel passing through the sea. A Dolphinarium and a general aquarium will showcase dolphins and different variety of fish from all over the world. The project aims to construct Asia’s largest and most technically advanced Oceanarium at Putuvype Island, off Kochi. The government of kerala hs decided to allot 50 acres of land to Kerala state fisheries department for this project, of which 10 acres will be allocated to the centre for marine living resources and ecology centre