GMB invites global bids for Ro-Ro ferry services

The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has invited global bidders for setting up of its ambitious Ro-Ro ferry services in the Gulf of Cambay region of state.

In a global tender notice issued on Thursday, GMB has invited Request for Qualification (RFQ) to select world class ferry and terminal operators which could provide integrated Ro-Pax vessel service and terminal operation on exclusive basis between Gogha in Bhavnagar and Dahej in Bharuch. The last date for submission of tender is November 22.

RO-PAX (roll on/roll off passenger) is used to describe Ro-Ro vessel built for freight vehicle transport along with passenger accommodation. Construction work of Ro-Pax terminals including berthing facilities at Dahej and Gogha sites are already in progress. The entire route is approximately 32 km long.

 

The Ro-Ro ferry project is one of the pet projects of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. The principal objective of this project is to facilitate the establishment of a vehicular and passenger ferry service across the Gulf of Cambay.

The port policy of Gujarat has emphasized that the introduction of the Ro-Ro service and Hovercraft / catamaran service, joining different terminals on Saurashtra and Kutch coast with South Gujarat will be given a high priority. This will not only save the time and cost of transportation of man and material from one place to another, but will substantially reduce pressure on the existing road and rail network of the region.

"These facilities are also expected to promote tourism, linking places of historical, religious and tourist interests of Kutch and Saurashtra with South Gujarat. As the terminal construction cost plays an important part in an attractive and a viable Ro-Ro ferry operation to begin with, the Government of Gujarat has decided to first, construct the Ro-Ro ferry terminals at Gogha and Dahej and subsequently, to privatize the ferry operation," the tender document stated.

The potential ferry operators will be required to provide a suitable number of ferry vessels of the appropriate type and size that will be dedicated to this service. The RoRo service will be operated by vessels carrying trucks, cars and other vehicles as well as passengers. The passenger ferry service will be operated by small dedicated passenger carrying vessels, such as high speed catamarans.