Mangaluru : The New Mangalore Port, which launched the Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) service on Tuesday, became the first port to introduce the service in India via sea.

The Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) M V Maria India, a 160-metre long Ro-Ro ship with a capacity to carry up to 150 loaded trucks and 210 cars, called at the port and started its operation. This vessel will be operating between Mangaluru – Hazira. With a high operating speed of 16 knots, the ship can cover the distance between Mangaluru and Hazira in less than 36 hours. The entire round trip voyage, including the time at the ports, will be five days.

The service is taken up by Link Shipping and Management System Pvt. Ltd. M/s Alvares and Thomas are steamer agents and stevedores.

The ship sailed to Hazira after loaded trucks were driven into the vessel. The drivers of the trucks too started their journey to Hazira but in a special bus. They will drive out their respective vehicles once they reach the place.

The unique feature of this vessel is that loaded trucks and cars can be driven into the vessel and can be driven out once it reaches the final destination.

This coastal service between Mangaluru and Hazira, which covers a road distance of over 1,200 km, will contribute substantial savings to truck operators by way of reduced fuel consumption, wear and tear of vehicles, toll charges, delays in border crossing, risk of long distance driving in addition to the advantage of de-congestion of roads.

This service is part of the Union Government’s policy of implementing the Vision for Coastal Shipping, Tourism and Regional Development. Now the customers can make use of this cost-effective, reliable and environment-friendly mode of transport.

The port is making all out efforts to attract more coastal movement and in this direction exclusive berths, storage sheds and gate are earmarked for the coastal shipping.