Beypore: Norka Roots is assigned to conduct a feasibility study and passenger survey to facilitate the launch of cruise ship services between UAE and the state, said Kerala Maritime Board Chairman NS Pillai.

A meeting chaired by Norka vice-chairman P Sreeramakrishnan in the presence of officials from the ports department, Maritime Board and other departments decided to take further steps on the matter.

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Pillai added that Sharjah Indian Association president YA Rahim will lead a consortium backing the start of a passenger-cargo-luxury ship service.

The recent hike in airfares for travel from Kerala to Gulf countries has led authorities to explore alternative travel options. As a result, a proposal has been put forward to introduce ship services between Beypore-Kochi ports and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Earlier, the Malabar Development Council and the UAE delegation had submitted a study report to the Chief Minister for starting a chartered cruise ship and airline service in the Kerala-UAE regions. After this, the Kerala government tasked the secretary of the ports department with expediting the efforts of the concerned departments.