Ferry service to resume end December

Hemanthi GURUGE

The suspended ferry service between Colombo and Tuticorin operated by Flemingo Liners will resume operations by end December.

Flemingo Liners CEO P.K. Thimmaya told Daily News Business that the Flemingo Liners ferry passenger and cargo service was temporarily suspended due to various operational issues.

This ferry service commenced last June and is operated twice a week, every Monday and Friday from Tuticorin and every Wednesday and Sunday from Colombo.

The travel time for the journey is about 12 to 14 hours and the vessel accommodates 1,100 passengers. (317 cabins including 11 first class and two suites).

"It can also carry 300 tonnes of cargo."

The service also allows a maximum of 100 kg for economy cabin passengers and 200 kg for deluxe passengers.

"We had an average of 200 travellers," he said.

The luxury ferry service, in a bid to attract more passengers had reduced their fares and have added packages as well.

Meanwhile an official from Ceylon Shipping Corporation said Sri Lanka too will add one more ship to the service by early next year.

"This would be a smaller vessel," the official said.

Two investors are currently in discussion on this.

He said the ferry service is helping to increase tourism between Sri Lanka and India and it has also opened a new market for the two countries.