India’s marine authorities announced plans to build a boat marina for international yachts and superyachts sailing the Andaman Islands.
Construction on the 50-slot Yacht Marina at Port Blair Harbour (cruise port destination in India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands) will be completed by December 2021. The new facility will become a key element to help the Islands recover from COVID when ships are allowed to resume voyages in this region.
According to Asia Pacific Superyachts Andaman Islands head of operations, R. Rathnam, international sailors, and visiting yachts and superyachts were required to stay at anchorage due to the absence of a dedicated marina.
The 50-Yacht Marina at the destination of choice and kick-off to adventure cruising was planned for the inner part of Port Blair Harbour (Mithakhari) which would provide the required logistics and repair facilities for Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Organizers of the annual ‘Sail the Andamans’ Yacht Carnival were enthusiastic about the Marina plans and confident that more yachts would visit the Andamans once it opens.
The Yacht Marina will have a dedicated passenger terminal with complete facilities to house nearly 1000 tourists, including a food court and shops. The project was approved by India's Ministry of Shipping and due to be ready by December 2021.
There is a proposal for upgrading the existing Passenger Terminals at Haddo Wharf and Phoenix Bay in order to meet requirements for berthing foreign-flagged yachts, inter-island cruise ships and pleasure boats.