The Mormugao Port Authority is moving ahead with plans to set up a dedicated Marina inside the port limits, MPA Chairman Dr N Vinod Kumar said on Wednesday while outlining ongoing infrastructure work.
Dr Kumar said about eight thousand square metres of waterfront land had been allotted for the Marina through a tender, marking the first time the port is directly facilitating such a project. He noted that although fore shore land had been allotted to a private party in the past for a similar plan, the port had never taken up a Marina development within its own premises. Marine Tech has secured the project and will invest in floating jetties and other facilities. The port will not fund the development and will earn only lease revenue from the allotted area.
He said the Marina will initially operate as a parking space for yachts, but its location in front of the new cruise terminal is expected to draw additional services. According to him, allied facilities will develop naturally in the area and can be shared by yacht operators and cruise passengers.
Dr Kumar also confirmed that the new domestic and international cruise terminal will be ready for the next tourism season. He said Goa will require more than port infrastructure to become a home port for cruise ships. He emphasised the need for coordination with the state tourism department to build a complete ecosystem for cruise operations.
He said several upgrades are underway at the port in phases. Container services have resumed, and a solar plant has been commissioned. The port plans to expand its solar capacity and build on its recognition as the first accredited green port. Dr Kumar said more green initiatives are in the pipeline along with other innovative projects.
Officials said the Marina, the new cruise terminal, renewable energy expansion and the restart of container operations are part of a wider strategy to diversify services and modernise infrastructure in line with current port development standards.
