Sri Vijaya Puram, May 23: The passenger vessel MV Swaraj Dweep, which sailed from Chennai, is expected to arrive at Sri Vijaya Puram on May 23 at 11 am with more than 300 passengers and cargo onboard, while the Directorate of Shipping Services has also announced its scheduled departure for Visakhapatnam on May 26.
According to information issued by the Directorate of Shipping Services, the vessel is carrying 306 passengers, including three infants, along with 297 metric tonnes of cargo.
Officials stated that upon arrival at Sri Vijaya Puram, the vessel will berth at Haddo Wharf and passengers will be disembarked immediately.
The Administration has meanwhile announced that the vessel will sail from Sri Vijaya Puram to Visakhapatnam on May 26 at 10 am.
As part of the departure schedule, loading of excess baggage and cargo will be carried out on May 25 between 2 pm and 4 pm. Authorities stated that excess baggage and cargo are required to be booked in advance through the Commercial Wing of the Directorate of Shipping Services.
Embarkation of passengers for the onward voyage to Visakhapatnam will begin at 7 am on May 26 and continue till 9 am. Officials clarified that boarding procedures will close one hour before the scheduled departure time of the vessel.
Passengers reporting after the closure of embarkation will not be permitted to board the vessel, the Directorate stated.
The vessel continues to remain one of the key passenger and cargo links connecting the Andaman & Nicobar Islands with mainland ports, particularly Chennai and Visakhapatnam, facilitating movement of residents, tourists and essential supplies.
Shipping services between the Islands and mainland ports are routinely used for passenger travel as well as transportation of goods and cargo required across the Union Territory.
Authorities have advised passengers travelling on the upcoming voyage to complete embarkation formalities within the stipulated timeframe and ensure advance booking of excess baggage to avoid inconvenience.
