KOCHI: The Cochin Port Trust will take another step forward in its plans to set up a world-class cruise terminal with the port authorities expected to appoint a consultant for the project in a month's time.

Port trust sources said here that formalities for the appointment of the consultant were near complete and they did not foresee any delay for the appointment.

The appointment of the consultant would be the first major step towards realising the project since the process was initiated about a year ago by the port authorities.

Kochi is the first port in the country to initiate development of a world-class cruise service facility. Realising Kochi's potential, the port authorities had set about establishing a dedicated facility for cruise liners, number of which calling at the port has increased substantially over the last three years.

The port has constituted a dedicated cruise cell available round-the-clock to service the vessels. The port has also offered a single window solution for customs, immigration and port health clearances, besides offering concessional tariff. Walk-in berthing and bunkering services are the other attractions in Kochi.

The port is also working on a proposal for establishing a world-class golf course within the port premises as part of efforts to develop leisure facilities associated with cruise travel.

Meanwhile, port trust sources said that the number of cruise vessels calling at Kochi had gone up substantially during the current year. While 22 vessels called at the port last year, the number was expected to go up to 37 by the month end.

One of the most significant events in the cruise calendar for Kochi will be Wednesday's visit by `Queen Mary II', described as the largest and most expensive cruise vessel in business.

The vessel will be at Kochi for a day on its voyage of the world. Kochi is the only stopover for the vessel in India.

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