A CPT Marina soon for pleasure boats

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The city’s long wait to have a separate docking facility for pleasure boats might happen soon.

The Chennai port trust (CPT) is currently exploring possibilities of building a temporary marina, which will be a port basin that has docks, moorings, supplies and other facilities for small boats and yachts.

While a permanent marina is planned after the construction of groyne field, which is awaiting clearance from the Central coastal zone management authorities, the temporary structure would have detachable type of arrangement with facility to dock 20 boats and yachts.

The port authorities are mulling the idea of developing the temporary marina inside its premises at the timber pond or Kasimedu fishing harbour.

However, they are worried about security since entry inside the port is restricted. “The Kasimedu fishing harbour is also cramped,” the authorities added.

The state government has already given permission to construct groyne field in-between the Cooum river and CPT outer anchorage.

“The permanent marina is planned to the south of the port on the reclaimed land after the construction of groyne field,” said a senior port official.

CPT chairman Atulya Misra said the port proposes to develop a marina under the second phase of national maritime development programme.

“The project will be taken up after coal moves out of the port and additional land area is reclaimed through the groyne field,” he added.

A high-level expert committee set up by the apex court is studying the issues involved in allowing CPT handle coal and iron ore bulk cargo banned by the Madras high court. The committee is expected
to submit the report this July.