Bhubaneswar: The Gopalpur Ports Limited clarified Monday regarding the allegation made by JM Baxi Company and Travel Link Tour Operator that their cruise ship wasn’t allowed to dock at the port.
The port authorities in their clarification said that the Monaco-based luxury cruise liner ‘Silver Sea’ was not given permission to dock at Gopalpur port January 26 as construction work is going on there as part of its expansion plan. Instead, the cruise will anchor at Paradip port on Republic Day.
When contacted, the port’s Corporate Affairs & Communications Head, Jagadish Chandra Rout said, “Gopalpur Port is under construction for a major expansion. Over 1,000 workmen and significant onshore and offshore equipment have been deployed and continuous round the clock activity is underway. Moreover, the port is designed for passenger movement. In line with its policy of international best practice in safety and security, JM Baxi and Travel Link Tour Operator were informed well in advance about the port’s inability to ensure passenger’s safety,” Rout added.
The Port authorities also claimed that the stevedore company Baxi was advised accordingly to make safe alternative plans for the international visitors.
PNN